Media Release: Habitat for Humanity Hamilton Hands Over Keys to Five Brand-New Affordable Homes to Local Families in Need of a Hand Up

Hamilton, ON (September 27, 2024)

For Immediate Release

Hamilton, ON – In a heartwarming ceremony held today, Habitat for Humanity Hamilton handed over the keys to five families, marking the completion of yet another build in the organization’s 34-year history. The five brand-new affordable housing units on Sherman Avenue North are a significant milestone for Habitat Hamilton, showcasing the collective efforts of volunteers, corporate partners, and the local community.

The event was attended by dozens of friends and supporters, including volunteers who contributed thousands of collective hours of labor and corporate partners who generously provided cash donations and gifts of materials and/or labour. These combined efforts have helped make the dreams of these five families a reality. Each family eagerly toured their new homes, having waited patiently through the many phases of planning and construction. The build, years in the making, involved extensive remediation of the lot and relied on the unwavering support of volunteer groups and donors.

“Today is a celebration not just for these five families but for our entire community,” said Sean Ferris, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Hamilton. “The dedication of our volunteers and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program students and teachers, and the generosity of our donors have made this project possible. In a time when the housing crisis in Hamilton is only intensifying, events like today provide a glimmer of hope. They remind us of the impact we can have when we come together with a common goal.”

Habitat for Humanity Hamilton’s unique model requires families to contribute 500 volunteer hours in various capacities, including working on-site, attending training courses, and supporting operations in the ReStore. This commitment ensures that families are active participants in the creation of their new homes, fostering a deeper connection and investment in their community.

Since 2019, the Government of Canada has made a total funding commitment of $938,000 through the Affordable Housing Fund under the National Housing Strategy towards Habitat Hamilton projects, including these homes.

“Today, marks a great achievement for our partnership with Habitat for Humanity Hamilton. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity are invaluable partners as we work to end the housing crisis and ensure that all Canadians have a safe and affordable place to call their own,” said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “As we open the door to these homes, I wish the families all the very best as they start this new chapter in their lives.”

“When we work with organizations like Habitat for Humanity that make homeownership easy, we can deliver the homes our community needs,” said Lisa Hepfner, Member of Parliament for Hamilton Mountain. “Together with our local partners, we’re getting housing built in Hamilton and across Ontario.”

“Like our partners at Habitat for Humanity, we believe in a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live, and we are honoured to work together to provide safe and affordable homeownerships options in our communities,” said Chad Collins, Member of Parliament for Hamilton East—Stoney Creek. “It is a pleasure to see these families move into their new homes today, a testament it is to what strong partnerships in the housing sector can do for Hamilton.”

In March of 2023, the Government of Canada and Habitat for Humanity Canada announced an additional $25 million investment to build 500 new affordable homes across Canada over the next three years. This brings the total federal investment in Habitat for Humanity to $80.8 million through the Government of Canada’s Affordable Housing Fund.

Ward 3 Councillor Nrinder Nann, who spoke at the ceremony, emphasized the importance of such developments in tackling Hamilton’s housing crisis. “It’s inspiring to see the tangible difference that collaboration can make,” said Councillor Nann. “These are more than just buildings; they are homes that transform lives and represent stability, opportunity, and thriving into the future. We need more initiatives like this to address the critical need for affordable housing in our city.”

These homes will transform the lives of these five families forever, and the positive effects of stable, affordable homeownership will extend for generations. While today’s event is a testament to the incredible progress made, Habitat for Humanity Hamilton recognizes that much more work is needed. The organization remains committed to its mission and is already planning for an even larger housing development within the next 2-3 years to further address the need for affordable housing in Hamilton.