(Thursday, July 7, 2022 – Hamilton, ON – Habitat for Humanity Hamilton is pleased to recognize the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) support in rebuilding from the impacts of COVID-19. In May 2021, Habitat Hamilton received a $107,200 Resilient Communities Fund grant from OTF to adapt to the digital retail landscape. The grant project, completed this May, supported staffing and equipment costs for the Hamilton ReStore, allowing for the creation of an online store with a curbside pick-up option for digital customers.
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Hamilton ReStore experienced closures and capacity limitations, highlighting the need for an online shopping option. This OTF grant has allowed Habitat Hamilton to increase the ReStore’s digital presence and enhance its point-of-sale systems with new technology. The grant has also supported the purchase of personal protective equipment and supplies to ensure the safety of customers and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“By increasing our online presence, we have been afforded the opportunity to create a new revenue stream,” says Habitat Hamilton’s Director of ReStore Operations, Rob Bell. “Our online store, hosted on Shopify, is an excellent option for shoppers who are looking for a budget friendly option while searching for unique items. Every trip to the Hamilton ReStore, whether that be online or in-store, is a chance to discover a fantastic deal, a one-of-a-kind item, or the missing piece in your design inspiration.”
The Hamilton ReStore is a social enterprise with a social mission to support the work of Habitat for Humanity Hamilton. Revenue generated from the Hamilton ReStore funds the administrative and operational costs for Habitat Hamilton. This allows Habitat Hamilton to devote nearly 100% of donated funds to directly support its Home Build Program, for local Hamilton families in need.
“Habitat Hamilton hasn’t been immune to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Sean Ferris, Chief Executive Officer at Habitat Hamilton. “We are very grateful for the support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which allowed us to continue operating the Hamilton ReStore during lockdowns by launching an online store. These actions allow us to better serve our customers, as well as increase our capacity to support the home-building efforts of Habitat for Humanity Hamilton. We are incredibly grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for supporting our mission to help Hamilton families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.”
Click here to visit the Hamilton ReStore online.
About Habitat for Humanity Hamilton: Founded in 1991, Habitat for Humanity Hamilton is an independent, not-for-profit housing program that builds strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. Habitat Hamilton has accommodated over 30 Habitat homeowners locally since its incorporation and is one of Habitat Canada’s fastest growing affiliates and developments forthcoming. For more information, please visit www.ebmediatestsite.ca/test8.
About the Ontario Trillium Foundation: The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non‐profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non‐profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID‐19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
For more information, please contact:
Sean Ferris – Chief Executive Officer, Habitat for Humanity Hamilton
(905) 560 6707 ext 108 | sean@ebapi.ca