FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A grant from Hamilton Community Foundation is supporting Habitat for Humanity Hamilton in its effort to combat the affordable housing crisis in Hamilton and the surrounding region.
With a 16% price spike in the Hamilton housing market last year alone, many families across the city are finding this drastic increase unmanageable. This surge not only affects potential home buyers, but also renters throughout the region. Though a strong real estate market can be beneficial for society, it can also perpetuate the cycle of poverty, if not properly managed.
To meet the region’s needs, Habitat for Humanity Hamilton implements an affordable housing initiative—referred to as the Home Build Program—building safe and decent homes with the help of volunteers and community partners. Habitat for Humanity Hamilton was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Edith H. Turner Foundation Fund at Hamilton Community Foundation. With this support, Habitat Hamilton is building a detached, single-unit home, on 5 Wickham Avenue in the Hamilton Beach community. Upon its completion, Habitat Hamilton will provide an interest-free and geared-to-income mortgage to a hard-working and deserving family, who otherwise could not afford homeownership.
“Adequate and safe housing is vital to the health of Hamilton’s economy, communities and population,” says Sean Ferris, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Hamilton. “We’re very excited about the support from Hamilton Community Foundation and what we’ll be able to accomplish.”
Hamilton Community Foundation is Ontario’s first community foundation. Last year the Foundation gave 561 grants to 227 charities, granting some $5.8 million across the community. Since it was founded in 1954, HCF has distributed more than $88 million to thousands of community programs.
Habitat for Humanity Hamilton is celebrating its 25th anniversary and plans to complete 3 new homes this year. Anyone interested in learning more about how to get involved are requested to contact the affiliate at 905-560-6707 ext. 102 or at volunteers@habitathamilton.ca.
About Habitat for Humanity Hamilton
Founded in 1991, Habitat for Humanity Hamilton is an independent, not-for-profit housing program that works to break the cycle of poverty by building affordable housing and promoting homeownership. Habitat Hamilton has accommodated 19 partner families locally since its incorporation and is one of Habitat Canada’s fastest growing affiliates, with six homes currently under construction. Their mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in order to break the cycle of poverty throughout Hamilton and the surrounding region. For more information, please visit www.habitathamilton.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Sean Ferris, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Hamilton
Phone: 905-560-6707 ext. 108
Email: sean@habitathamilton.ca
