HAMILTON, ON (Dec 20, 2023) The spirit of community and collaboration was alive and well at the Onondaga Build Celebration, a joyful event hosted by Six Nations of the Grand River Housing, Habitat for Humanity Hamilton, and Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario on December 19. The occasion marked the successful completion of the Onondaga 1 Build, a project dedicated to providing affordable housing to five local Six Nations of the Grand River families. The event also served as a platform to launch the Onondaga 2 Build, a testament to the ongoing commitment to community development and affordable housing initiatives currently underway between the three organizations.
At the heart of this achievement is the unwavering support from various organizations, donors, and volunteers. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to the Six Nations of the Grand River Economic Development Trust for their pivotal role in making this project a reality. Their dedication and partnership have been instrumental in bringing positive change to the community.
Habitat Canada, through the Indigenous Housing Partnership Fund, has also played a crucial role, and we thank them for their ongoing support. Anderson Windows and Doors, RBC, Scarfone Hawkins LLP, and other donors have also played an important role in turning the dream of affordable homeownership into a reality for five local families.
Our volunteer support on this project was also outstanding. In total, we had 61 unique volunteers generously give of their time on this project. 38 of them participated as part of a Team Build Day. Their cumulative efforts translated to 1501.5 hours of volunteer labour. A special thank you to our top volunteer contributors: Tom Stoffelsen (464 hours), Gary Armstrong (242 hours), and Robert Touesnard (133 hours).
The event highlighted the hard work, dedication, and community engagement that fueled the successful completion of the Onondaga 1 Build. As attendees gathered, there was a sense of pride in the air, as the tangible results of collective effort and determination were seen and felt by everyone in attendance.
The houses are a testament to the commitment of all involved parties towards creating more affordable housing opportunities on Six Nations territory. Their quality and craftsmanship reflect the shared goal of building not just houses, but homes where families can thrive and build brighter futures.
As we bask in the accomplishment of Onondaga 1, we also look excitedly toward the future. The kickoff of the Onondaga 2 Build project signifies an ongoing commitment to addressing the critical need for affordable housing within the Six Nations community, one home at a time.
The Onondaga Build Celebration was more than just a celebration; it was a collective expression of gratitude, solidarity, and a shared vision for a better future. Once again, we extend our deepest thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of Onondaga 1, and we look forward to the continued support and collaboration that will make Onondaga 2 another impactful project towards a stronger, more resilient community.