top of page

The Meaning of Home: Habitat Canada’s National Writing Contest Inspires Change

A home is more than just four walls and a roof—it’s a place of love, security, and belonging. Habitat for Humanity Canada understands this deeply, which is why they have been running the Meaning of Home National Writing Contest for students in Grades 4, 5, and 6. This annual contest not only encourages young writers to reflect on what home truly means to them but also plays a vital role in building safe and affordable housing for families in need.


Empowering Students to Make a Difference

The Meaning of Home contest gives students across Canada a unique opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings about home through poetry or short essays. By participating, they don’t just share their creative writing—they also contribute to a real-world impact. For every submission received in Northumberland, Habitat for Humanity Northumberland receives a $10 donation from contest sponsor, Sagen, helping fund affordable housing projects in our area.


A Chance to Win and Give Back

The contest winners receive generous grants directed towards their local Habitat for Humanity organizations. The grand prize winners, one from each grade level, earn a $30,000 grant for their chosen Habitat build. Additionally, three runners-up per grade receive $10,000 grants to support Habitat projects in their communities. Even students who don’t win the top prizes make a difference just by participating!


Local Incentives in Northumberland

To further encourage participation, Habitat for Humanity Northumberland has partnered with local realtors Nikki Kelly and Jennifer Lean-Gadbois from Royal Service to run a local contest. Each class that participates in the Meaning of Home contest in Northumberland will be entered to win one of three $150 cash prizes to use on whatever they need in their classroom! This initiative adds an extra incentive for local students and teachers to get involved while supporting an important cause. Last year CR Gummow, Hillcrest PS and Beatrice Strong PS were awarded with the $150 prizes.



Why This Contest Matters

Affordable housing remains a critical issue in Canada, with many families struggling to find a safe place to call home. By engaging young students in conversations about the importance of home, this contest fosters empathy, social responsibility, and awareness of housing challenges. Moreover, it empowers youth by showing them that their words have the power to drive real change.


How to Participate

The contest opens January to mid-February, with the submission deadline on Friday February 21st, 2025. Students can submit their entries online with the help of a teacher, parent, or guardian. The submissions are then judged on originality, creativity, and clarity in expressing the meaning of home.


Teachers can also get involved by incorporating the contest into classroom activities, making it a valuable learning opportunity that blends literacy skills with social consciousness.


Local classroom winners are announced in April 2025 and winners of the National Contest are announced in May 2025.


Inspiring Stories, Meaningful Impact

Over the years, thousands of students have taken part in the Meaning of Home contest, sharing heartfelt and inspiring stories about family, love, and security. These young voices remind us that home is not just a physical space but a foundation for dreams, growth, and happiness.


By encouraging students to write about the importance of home, Habitat for Humanity Canada along with Habitat for Humanity Northumberland continue to build not just houses, but stronger, more compassionate communities.


For more details on how to enter and make a difference, visit meaningofhome.ca.

4 views0 comments

Comments


© 2025 by HFHN.

Call us:

289-252-0999

Find us: 

764 Division Street, Cobourg ON   K9A 5V2

  • facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter Clean
  • White Google Places Icon

Habitat for Humanity of Northumberland  87169 6498 RR0001

bottom of page