Greeting Cards for Sale
Proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity
• 15 cards and envelopes per box
• 5 x 7 inches
• 1 image per box
• $16 per box, before shipping and handling
Please call 1 800 667-5137 ext. 230 to order.
For more info, visit the habitat.ca homepage
under ‘What’s New’.
Thanks for your support of
Habitat for Humanity Canada!
Gingerbread Builds –
Cover Photo
For more info on Gingerbread Builds, please
visit www.habitat.ca/homesweethome
1681892
The Habitat
SPIRIT
Winter 2007 – News and Views for the Friends of Habitat for Humanity Canada
:
In this issue
• Iqaluit’s First Habitat Family – page 3
• Schneider Electric’s Donation to Build On – page
6
– page 10
g Strength
tores Buildin
eS
R
t
ita
ab
H
•
n – page 11
Campaig
nline Giving
• Holiday O
“The Habitat Spirit”
Has a New Look
Contact Us With Your Input & Ideas
In order to make it easier to find the
information you’re searching for in our
newsletter, and make it easier to
read, we’ve refreshed the design of
“The Habitat Spirit”.
We’ll continue to include the information
you’ve requested and are interested in,
as in past issues.
If you’d like to suggest story ideas, photos
or any other information you’d like to
see in an upcoming “The Habitat Spirit”,
please let us know by using the contact
information below.
We’d like to thank Cossette
Communication Group (www.cossette.
com) for their donated time in helping with
the redesign of our newsletter, and for
their significant work and assistance on
all of our marketing and communication
platforms, including our Television PSAs,
“Electricity or Rent” & “Food or Shelter”,
and our website.
Thanks for reading The Habitat Spirit,
and for your interest and support of
affordable housing!
President’s Holiday Message
This time of year – Christmas and the holidays – is a time for celebration and excitement,
but for me it’s also a time for reflection. This past August, I had one of the most unusual
and moving experiences of my life.
I was visiting Habitat for Humanity’s most remote and northerly build in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
The atmosphere was infectious as teams of volunteers, community members, donors and
an eager family came together to build one of the 180 Habitat for Humanity homes built
during 2007.
At one point during my week in Nunavut, I strolled along a long, deserted road. The name
of the road was the “Road To Nowhere”, literally. It veers north out of Iqaluit and, true to
its name, it runs straight out of town and into the Nunavut wilderness. Not exactly nowhere
but there certainly isn’t much out there.
Staring off into the Nunavut wilderness beyond the Road To Nowhere, alone and quiet,
I couldn’t help but think about those families who must feel like they’re on a road to
nowhere… alone and hopeless. It put me in touch with what it must feel like to struggle
without decent, warm, comfortable housing. Too many families in Canada and around
the world live with this feeling, every day.
As I contemplated my feelings and that extraordinary place, I was again struck by what
Habitat for Humanity is all about. It’s about revitalizing a family’s hope, relieving despair
and paving the road ahead to a brighter, more dignified and optimistic future.
Habitat for Humanity is about bridging that gap between the road to nowhere and the
road to somewhere – somewhere stable, dignified and full of opportunity – a home. This is
the magic of Habitat. And this magic is changing the lives of families, every day, all across
the country.
We don’t do this in isolation – it’s thanks to our many volunteers, donors and partners that
we’re able to continue to bring self-respect and potential to families and communities across
Canada and around the world.
It’s a long journey from nowhere to somewhere and it’s gratifying and rewarding to share
that journey with so many of you.
The Habitat Spirit, a publication
of Habitat for Humanity Canada,
seeks to promote communication,
discussion and networking among
Habitat for Humanity affiliates,
volunteers and supporters. Questions
or comments should be sent to:
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CANADA
124 Merton Street, Suite 401
Toronto, ON M4S 2Z2
My best wishes for a safe and happy Christmas and holiday season.
David
President & CEO
1 800 667-5137, Fax: 416 646-0574
[email protected] www.habitat.ca
The photos contained
in this newsletter were provided
courtesy of Habitat for Humanity
Canada and its affiliates.
Cover photo: HFH Toronto
2
To donate, advocate or volunteer visit www. habitat.ca
Iqaluit’s First Habitat Family
Desperate Need in Nunavut for Housing Solutions
I met Pau (Pauyungi Aqpik) for the first time when I visited
Iqaluit in April, 2007, and I could see a glow of excitement in her
eyes – just days before my visit, Pau had been approved as the
first Habitat for Humanity Iqaluit Partner Family representative. As
she anticipated this new experience in her life, I didn’t realize at
the time, that in a few months I would again be greeted with her
excitement, and helping to build alongside Pau and her son.
Pau, an Administrative Assistant for the Iqaluit Housing Authority
(where she has worked for the past eight years) and her 15-yearold son, Adam, are currently in Public Housing in Iqaluit, and are
looking forward to the privacy and freedom that homeownership
allows. They are also glad to know that their eventual move into
this highly energy-efficient new home will open up another Public
Housing unit for another family currently on the growing wait-list –
now at over 3,800 people
Pau and her son are glad
out of a population of 30,000
to know that their eventual in Nunavut. Even though
this first Habitat for Humanity
move into their new
(HFH) home in Iqaluit is
home will open up another serving just one family, it does
provide a valuable awareness
Public Housing unit for
of the desperate need for
another family currently
housing solutions throughout
on the growing wait-list.
the Territory of Nunavut.
It was comforting for me to observe the special bond between
mother and son – Adam would care for his mother like most
young men, but could also be seen effortlessly and patiently showing
his mom how to hold a hammer, or how to manage a task –
he would seldom leave her side in the time I volunteered, a little
over one week.
Adam is currently in Grade 11, and his plans are to complete
his Grade 12 (with some pressure and much support from
his mother!), and has indicated interest in becoming a pilot
or a professional musician. Though, he feels there is still
plenty of time to make this decision. Alfred Nikolai, CEO of
Habitat for Humanity Edmonton and a Global Village participant
in Iqaluit, referenced Adam’s huge smile often, and before
saying goodbye to each other, Adam said in his quiet way to
Alfred, “Don’t worry, I will stay in school.”
“A BIG thanks to the
Global Village people
and all those volunteers
that have touched the
house! Thank you! And
God bless all of you!”
Pau and Adam wanted to
share a message with all who
have contributed to their new
homeownership opportunity:
“A BIG thanks to the Global
Village people and all those
volunteers that have touched
the house! Thank you! And
God bless all of you!”
~ Written by Terry Petkau, Director of Building Services at
Habitat for Humanity Canada
I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the six Canadian
Global Village volunteers invited to help with the most northerly
remote built home in Habitat for Humanity’s history, and return
again to the harsh but beautiful terrain of Iqaluit. On August 4th,
the first day of the eight week build project, Pau and I were
reunited. She and her son, Adam, were managing the volunteer
registration table and taking their job very seriously. This would
be one of the many tasks they have taken on to achieve their
required 500 hours of “Sweat Equity.”
Despite Pau’s physical ailments, she was a trooper and plugged
into all aspects of the build process - much to the surprise of the
Habitat for Humanity Iqaluit Board of Directors. Unfortunately,
there was the odd day where Pau had to stay home to recuperate
from the previous day’s activities - but she always returned with
her infectious smile and readiness to work! Pau’s advice to other
Habitat families: “Get into shape before the build or you will end
up in pain, but feeling really good.”
Pau and Adam help build their new home – ready in 2007!
Read more about the Iqualuit build experience and Nunavut’s housing shortage on page 8 & 9
To donate, advocate or volunteer visit www. habitat.ca
3
The Home Depot Canada
Leading The Way
Do-It-Yourself Retailer Doing More for Communities
in Canada than Ever Before
This year, more than 400 The Home Depot associates, including
Annette Verschuren, President of The Home Depot Canada
and Asia, participated in Habitat builds in local communities across
Canada. Collectively, they have spent thousands of hours
volunteering their time, expertise, and resources to help affiliates
in Canada build more homes for families in need. To-date,
The Home Depot Canada has given millions in financial and product
donations. When it comes to giving back, The Home Depot
believes that giving goes beyond simply donating funds or product
– they believe in rolling up their sleeves to help build homes for
families in need.
Increased Focus and Commitment in 2007
The Home Depot Canada has been Habitat for Humanity Canada’s
largest corporate supporter since 1996. In 2007, they have committed
more than $1,000,000 in cash donations to Habitat for Humanity
Canada and its affiliates – approximately a 35% increase over
2006. The funds will be used to build more than 20 homes in
Canada and will also support needed programs and projects in local
communities. In addition, the company will provide more than
$2,500,000 in product donations to Habitat for Humanity ReStores
across the country. “We would not be where we are today without
our partnership with The Home Depot Canada,” says David Hughes,
Habitat for Humanity President and CEO. Here are just some of
the ways that The Home Depot Canada is supporting Habitat for
Humanity Canada this year:
Building the Better Way – Building Better Means
Building Greener
Habitat for Humanity Canada is devoted to maximizing the
affordability and sustainability of homes built for our partner
families. The Home Depot Canada is committed to protecting
the environment. Both organizations believe that affordable
homes can also be sustainable
homes. As part of its support of
“We would not be where
Habitat for Humanity Canada,
we are today without
The Home Depot helps to fund
our partnership with
build projects that employ
The Home Depot Canada.” certified sustainable practises.
Energy efficient Habitat for
– Habitat for Humanity
Humanity homes protect the
Canada President and
pocketbooks of partner families,
CEO, David Hughes
and preserve the planet for
future generations. In Toronto
alone, Home Depot contributed $450,000 towards ‘green’ home
building through the Toronto affiliate. Habitat for Humanity Toronto is
building 19 homes this year that will meet Energy Star requirements.
4
“I am convinced that
Habitat for Humanity
Canada is leading
the way in addressing
the affordable
housing crisis.” –
Annette Verschuren,
President, The Home
Depot Canada
Energy Star programs and products
produc
help protect the environment and
save consumers money by using
less energy through advanced
design or construction.
Engaging The Home Depot
Customers in Supporting
Affordable Housing
The Home Depot Canada is
engaging its customers in the work
of Habitat for Humanity while
they shop at The Home Depot stores across the country. In August,
The Home Depot Canada launched its “Buy a House. Build a Home”
campaign where customers could support Habitat for Humanity by
purchasing a $1 paper house. The “paper house” campaign was
launched with media events in downtown Toronto, Montréal and
Vancouver. Not only did it help raise awareness of the work of
Habitat, but it also raised just over $105,000 for Habitat for Humanity.
Largest Annual Event to Raise Needed Funds
The Home Depot hosts a golf tournament every year that
brings together employees and vendors to raise funds for
Habitat for Humanity. In 2007, this one day event raised more
than $630,000. It is the largest golf event for Habitat in Canada.
Products for ReStores Help Fund Affiliates’ Operations and
Protect the Environment
In keeping with their environmental commitment, The Home Depot
re-directs to Habitat for Humanity ReStores building products and
supplies that have been returned to its stores by customers. These
materials are delivered to 60 Habitat for Humanity ReStores, where
they are re-sold, with proceeds going to support Habitat for Humanity.
Shared Leadership Leads to Innovative Solutions
Annette Verschuren, President of The Home Depot Canada, has
served on the Habitat for Humanity Canada Board of Directors
for many years. She is also the Chair of the National President’s
Council. Ms. Verschuren says, “I am convinced that Habitat for
Humanity Canada is leading the way in addressing the affordable
housing crisis with innovative, practical, long-term solutions.”
To donate, advocate or volunteer visit www. habitat.ca
2007 National PARTNERS
Habitat for Humanity Canada is fortunate to have many committed partners – not all could be listed here.
To view the complete list of donors, please visit our website at: http://habitat.ca/thankstooursponsorsc11.php.
To learn more about becoming a supporter, please contact Jade Morrison by email at [email protected]
or by phone at 1 800 667-5137, ext. 326.
— PLATINUM PARTNERS —
$1,000,000 and above
The Home Depot Canada
— GOLD PARTNERS —
$500,000 to $999,999
James Richardson & Sons, Limited
CGC Inc.
All Weather Windows Inc.
— SILVER PARTNERS —
— BRONZE PARTNERS —
$250,000 to $499,999
$100,000 to $249,999
Canadian Institute of
Plumbing and Heating
Schneider Electric Ltd.
Canada
Alcan Inc.
Dufferin Concrete
Hunter Douglas
Canada
Whirlpool Canada Inc.
Owens Corning Canada
Genworth Financial Canada
Products Torlys Inc.
MCAP Mortgage Corp.
The Dow Chemical
Company
To donate, advocate or volunteer visit www. habitat.ca
5
Jim Wicks is Devoting His
Life to Helping Others
Being a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity often grows into a
lifelong passion. Here’s a notable example: Jim Wicks has been
advocating for affordable housing and the elimination of poverty
in PEI for over ten years.
“I do it because
we’re changing
people’s lives.”
“I retired in 2001 after 32 years of
teaching,” Jim says. “The main reason
I retired was to put more time into
Habitat PEI. Now I’m a full-time volunteer.”
Jim’s commitment knows no limits: even during his five-year term
as President of Habitat PEI, he made the wooden plaques given
out to volunteers, and drove to a neighbouring community to take
water samples. Displaying that kind of dedication and compassion
Volunteer Jim Wicks has helped
build about 20 Habitat homes so far.
was why Jim received the Habitat for Humanity Volunteer of the Year
Award for 2005.
“I do it because we’re changing people’s lives,” Jim continues.
“We’re giving them hope and helping them deal with a system
that has put them at a disadvantage.”
Jim has helped build about 20 homes so far, but there’s one
special moment he says he’ll never forget. “Helping that first
family move into their new home will always be in my memory.
Every dedication we do refreshes this memory and reaffirms
my dedication to Habitat.”
“There’s never a time when Habitat is not on the agenda with our
family,” Jim explains. “I chair the Faith Relations Committee,
my wife Myrna chairs the Family Committee and our son Matthew
is on the Construction Committee. We do it because volunteering
for Habitat is empowering, rewarding, and satisfying.”
“Every man, woman
and child deserves a
safe, affordable home.”
A Donation To Build On
The National Building (Gift-in-Kind) Program – Funded by
Schneider Electric
This year, Schneider Electric, Habitat for Humanity Canada’s
leading electrical supplier, renewed its commitment with a
generous donation of approximately $245,000 in cash and
products. Schneider Electric are “Leaders Building a Nation”,
demonstrating leadership through their increased support, and
by providing needed funding for the National Building Program.
“Our hope and dream is that one
day, we will help bring about
a society that accepts the right of
every man, woman and child to
have a safe, affordable home in
which to live.”
Join other “Leaders Building a Nation”
and our National Building Program
If you’re interested in having your company join Schneider
Electric or to become one of our “Leaders Building a Nation”,
at any donation level, please get in touch with Jade Morrison
at 1 800 667-5137 ext. 326. We are grateful for any support you
can provide.
Below is some information on our National Building program:
Thanks to their donation this year,
Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is providing funding
will leave a legacy
and related electrical products for
select affiliates in Canada. They are
that will positively
also supporting the National Build
impact the lives of Program that delivers build product and
our partner families services to all 72 affiliates in Canada.
By doing so, they are contributing to
for years to come.
the development of up to 200 homes
this year. Their donation will leave a legacy that will positively impact
the lives of our partner families for years to come.
Schneider Electric has been an important partner since 2004.
To-date, they have provided nearly $500,000 in financial and product
donations, and hundreds of volunteer hours on build sites.
We are grateful to Schneider Electric for their continued support
and leadership.
6
1. Donations of product allow us to keep homebuilding and
mortgage costs low
2. HFHC coordinates the product donations to affiliates across the
country through the National GIK Program
3. We also provide guidance, administration and support services
to affiliates
4. Currently we are only able to provide about 10% of total
needed products to affiliates
5. Your organization can get involved by providing funds to
purchase product or by donating building-related products –
please contact us to learn more
To donate, advocate or volunteer visit www. habitat.ca
Soft Hearts and Strong Hands
Built 17 New Homes.
Women Build program 2007.
This year, you might have seen more ponytails peeking out from
hard hats at Habitat for Humanity construction sites. In fact,
don’t be surprised if you happen to see a whole team of strong,
dedicated and hard-working women – they’re all part of the exciting
Women Build program.
Women make up
more than half of the
volunteer workforce.
The Women Build program is
about more than just “girl power”.
Initiated in 1991, the Women Build
program encourages women to
become more involved in the
construction of Habitat for Humanity homes. This unique program
allows women to learn and use construction skills in a supportive
environment. All Women Build volunteers receive basic training
and are mentored on-site by experienced homebuilders.
Women have already built 17 Habitat for Humanity homes.
In 2007, a record number of Habitat for Humanity homes will be
built mostly by women. At the end of 2006, a total of 17 Canadian
A Voice for Habitat – CIPH
Sets $1.5 Million Campaign
for Affordable Housing
The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) has
renewed its commitment to Habitat for Humanity Canada (HFHC)
by launching a two-year campaign to raise more than $1.5 million
in cash and product donations. With this campaign, CIPH aims to
increase its donations by $500,000 over the previous campaign,
as well as provide product donations for 200 homes in 2008 and
250 homes in 2009. Next year, CIPH plans to fund a home-build
in Montreal to mark its 75th anniversary. This will be CIPH’s fifth
sponsored home. Other CIPH sponsored builds include Niagara
Falls, Moncton, Winnipeg, and most recently Charlottetown.
Habitat for Humanity week – cross-Canada fundraiser
CIPH declared September 9 – 15, 2007 as “CIPH’s Habitat for
Humanity Week” – a cross-Canada fundraiser. CIPH members
hosted various fundraising events to increase awareness of the
CIPH and HFHC partnership as well as raise cash donations for
local Habitat affiliates.
CIPH membership and HFHC partnership
CIPH is a not-for-profit trade association founded in 1933. They
have more than 250 members that are manufacturers, wholesale
distributors, master distributors, manufacturers’ agents and allied
companies who manufacture and distribute plumbing, hydronic
heating, industrial, water works, and other mechanical products.
CIPH and its members have been important contributors to HFHC
and the Gift-in-Kind program for over a decade. Since 1994, they have
contributed over $3.5 million in cash and products to help HFHC build
safe and affordable homes. CIPH members have also contributed
thousands of volunteer hours at Habitat build sites and events.
fam
families were proud owners of
Women Build houses. In 2007
Wo
tha
that number will nearly double as
mo
momentum grows behind this unique
pro
program. As more women become
mo
motivated and empowered to join
the
these construction crews, the program
is sset to grow bigger each year.
Community support is growing for our new homebuilders.
The success of the Women Build program is already apparent at
the Habitat for Humanity Northumberland affiliate. The large
number of women who came forward to volunteer on the Women
Build project forced the affiliate to limit the number of days a
volunteer could work on the project – in order to maximize the total
number of women who would get the chance to actually work on
the house. The Women Build project galvanized community spirit,
as local restaurants offered to feed
Habitat for Humanity the volunteers.
expects even more
homes will be built by
women for our
nation’s children.
The Women Build program has
shown incredible results across
Canada. Families have a decent
place to live, affiliates have more
volunteers, women have new skills
and new generations have a legacy of volunteerism. As we look
into the future, Habitat for Humanity expects even more homes to
be built by women for our nation’s children.
“Being part of Habitat allows us to see
the reward of doing something for those
in need.”
CIPH has been, and continues to be, an influential voice for Habitat
within the plumbing and heating industry. They and their members
are truly Leaders Building A Nation.
Charlottetown sponsored build and dedication
This year, CIPH contributed $75,000 to help build a home for
a family in need in PEI – the MacWilliams family. On Wednesday,
June 20, 2007 the MacWilliams family was joined by over
80 CIPH members and guests during a special Home Dedication
Ceremony. During the ceremony the MacWilliams family received
the keys to their new home from Immediate Past Chairman of the
Board, Kenneth Webster (Viessmann Manufacturing).
“CIPH and its members see the benefit
of being part of Habitat for Humanity
and its mission of providing affordable
housing for those who need a hand up
within our communities. People often
take for granted what they have and
being part of Habitat allows us to see
the reward of doing something for those
in need. Our members’ products and
services are a great fit with building
houses and hats off to our members for
their continued support with our involvement with Habitat over the year”, states
Barry Raycroft (Bardon Supplies), Chairman
of the Board, CIPH.
To donate, advocate or volunteer visit www. habitat.ca
Photo: Back Row L to R: Ralph Suppa
(CIPH); Kenneth Webster, (Viessmann
Manufacturing); CIPH Habitat Home
Build Chair Darryl Branch (Guillevin
International); CIPH Atlantic Region
Immediate Past President Bill Hooper
(ITT Residential & Commercial Water);
Newly-elected CIPH Chairman of the
Board Barry Raycroft (Bardon Supplies)
Front Row: MacWilliams Family
7
Habitat for Humanity’s
Most Northerly Remote
Build in History
First Home Built by Iqaluit Affiliate
Habitat for Humanity Iqaluit obtained official affiliate status in 2005
and began its first build this summer – the most northerly remote
build Habitat for Humanity (HFH) has done in its 32 year history,
and the first HFH home in the Territory of Nunavut
HFH Iqaluit consists of volunteers, and the fact that this was the
first build project for an affiliate where no one had participated in
a HFH build before is truly remarkable. With the assistance of two
experienced Habitat teams they are building a single-family home
with wood frame construction on a steel pile foundation, to meet
energy-efficient standards of at least R2000.
Global Village Teams Pitch-In
On August 3rd, a group of six dedicated Habitat for Humanity
volunteers, from communities throughout Southwestern Ontario,
travelled to Iqaluit, Nunavut’s capital, under the Canadian Global
Village (GV) Program to dedicate a little over one week of their time
and experience. A week later, a new group of seven GV volunteers
arrived from as far away as Edmonton, Alberta and Atlanta, Georgia
to continue the aggressive pace of construction even seasoned
residential house builders would find challenging.
Local volunteers joined the GV teams each day, strengthening the
workforce, so that the house would be completely closed-in by
the time the last GV volunteers left for their respective southern
homes. During the time the GV volunteers spent in Iqaluit, not only
were they impressed by the treeless but inspiring terrain, the Inuit
people and their culture was truly an eye-opener for many – as was
the desperate housing situation.
Not surprisingly, the remote northern location makes logistics
exceptionally difficult. All building materials are shipped into Iqaluit
by barge during warm weather, which is a very short window of
time. HFH Iqaluit had been planning this inaugural build project for
well over a year, but to make things interesting, the bulk of the
framing materials arrived late – 48 hours prior to the day the build was
to start. Every HFH build project has its surprises and challenges,
but due to the detailed planning, impressive community support
and the many prayer-warriors, the first HFH Partner Family in Iqaluit
will be moving into their house in early December.
The Plight of the “Hidden Homeless”
Nunavut’s “hidden homeless” sleep in shifts within already
overcrowded homes that average less than 1,000 sq. ft. in size,
and offer living-spaces cramped by potable water tanks, furnaces
and hot water heaters. In a territory that represents more than
one-fifth of Canada’s land mass, adequate living-space is a scarce
resource rather than a basic right.
Overcrowding – defined by the 2001 Aboriginal Peoples Survey
as more than one person per room – affects every community
in Nunavut.
• Half of Nunavut’s 25 communities suffer overcrowding rates of
20% or more.
• Nunavut experiences 19% overcrowding, compared to the 5%
average for the rest of Canada.
These acute needs constitute a severe
housing crisis that is worsening daily
as the population booms and existing
housing stock ages. Unfortunately,
homeownership remains unattainable
for most Nunavummiut. Increasing the number of homes, and
improving the condition of existing homes, are crucial steps in
beginning to address social problems faced by Nunavut children
and families.
• Over the next ten years, a housing infrastructure
investment of more than $1.9 billion is necessary to meet
emerging requirements.
• At least 45% of Nunavut’s dwellings are Public Housing
Program units.
• Public Housing wait-lists continually exceed 1,000 families, or
about 3,800 persons – 3,000 homes are needed now to bring
Nunavut on par with the rest of Canada.
By any measure,
Nunavut’s housing
need is staggering.
Nunavut landscape from a plane window
Neil Calhoun, Edmonton Real Estate Broker, HFH Canada Board
Director and GV volunteer wrote, “The fact that the build went as
smoothly as it did is a testament to the dedication and organization
the HFH Iqaluit team committed to this project – I felt that the
entire program had been carefully thought out, and yet, I had time
to interact with people of the community – a big thank you to
HFH Iqaluit for all their hard work!”
Read about “Iqaluit’s First Habitat Family” who received Habitat’s most northerly remote built home on page 3
8
To donate, advocate or volunteer visit www. habitat.ca
Building Hope – One Home at a Time
Although HFH Iqaluit alone cannot put a dent in the extreme need
for affordable housing in Iqaluit, the project is intended to build
hope by uniting the community and supporters in a common focus.
We hope the high profile of this project will help more Canadians
become aware of the acute housing crisis in Nunavut. HFH Iqaluit
would like to draw attention to the issues of homelessness,
overcrowding and inadequacy of the current housing stock to meet
the needs of a fast-growing, youthful population. The build will
also highlight the challenges of building in the far North – high costs,
a brief construction period, and an unforgiving climate.
Voolunnteers work on home rain or shine.
Volunteers
This is an especially worthwhile project with an ambitious set of
goals. We wish our partners in Iqaluit every success!
More on Nunavut
The Territory of Nunavut is big, small, old and young all at the
same time:
• Covering about 2,000,000 sq. kilometres, the size of Nunavut
can be quite hard to comprehend – especially when you consider
that there are no roads connecting the territory with the rest
of Canada.
• All building materials are shipped into communities by freighter
and then barged in, due to the lack of deep sea ports.
• With only 26 settlements and an entire population of just over
30,000, Nunavut is the smallest Territory by number.
• The City of Iqaluit, with a population of more than 6,184, is the
largest community and the capital city of Nunavut.
• The population of Nunavut is very young – in fact most of the
population is under the age of 15.
Frame of home built as of Day 2…
• The territory became self-governing on April 1, 1999, as the result
of a major land claim agreement, making Nunavut the youngest
province/territory in Canada – that being said, the Inuit have lived
here for thousands of years, long before the first European
settlers arrived.
• Inuktitut is the dominant language.
• Inuit represent approximately 85% of the population – tenancy in
Public Housing units is 99% Inuit.
…and 2 weeks later, enclosed structure.
Photos courtesy of HFH Northumberland and HFH Greater Kingston and Frontenac.
For more Iqaluit build photos, please visit www.habitatkingston.com and select ‘Photo Gallery’ (Iqaluit photos located under “Global Village Trip” heading).
To donate, advocate or volunteer visit www. habitat.ca
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Building Hope in Canada’s
Aboriginal Community
Developing an Aboriginal Housing Program
Habitat for Humanity Canada has signed a three-year agreement with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) that will help
make the Habitat homeownership model available to more Aboriginal people. We believe that the Habitat model provides a viable approach to
easing the Aboriginal housing crisis in Canada, and we are thankful for CMHC’s support.
In Canada, 30% of the approximately 1 million Aboriginal people live on reserves, where homeownership is slowly becoming more accessible
and acceptable. 70% of Aboriginal people live off-reserve and, overall, have a very high incidence of housing need. Off-reserve Aboriginal
households are only eligible for the same housing support programs offered to the general population, as there is no separate pool of federal
funding specifically intended for the non-reserve population. They are under-served and often “fall between the cracks” in terms of social
assistance and the limited availability of non-reserve housing programs.
As a result of this new agreement, a senior-level, full-time CMHC employee, based in Calgary, has been seconded to Habitat for Humanity
Canada for the full three years of the agreement to help develop a pilot Aboriginal Housing Program with interested affiliates. This pilot program
will be implemented both on- and off-reserve. In most cases, the housing projects will be carried out in partnership with Aboriginal communities
and organizations.
The program is expected not only to help address the chronic housing problem that exists for Canada’s Aboriginal peoples, but also to generate
unique initiatives which will be evaluated as they are developed. These new approaches and best practices will be shared among Aboriginal
groups and made available to other housing providers.
Habitat ReStores
Building Strength
This kind of growth brings good news for the natural environment.
In 2006, the Saskatoon ReStore diverted an estimated 400 tonnes
from landfill. This figure is expected to double with the growth of
the ReStore, which now recycles aluminum, copper and steel, and
is looking into porcelain, gyproc and asphalt.
Saskatoon ReStore began in a shed, now in an
18,000 sq. ft. facility
With the recent purchase of a curling rink, the Saskatoon ReStore
A Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a building supply store that
will operate in an 18,000 sq. ft. space, up from just 7,000 sq. ft. last
accepts donations of quality new and used building materials which
year. Happily, HFH Saskatoon has enjoyed similar growth. House
are resold to the public to generate funds for Habitat’s building
builds have increased from three in 2005, to four in 2006, to five in
programs and operations. In addition to supporting the work of
2007, and six projected for 2008.
our Affiliates, an important benefit of our ReStore network is its
positive environmental impact. In 2006,
Net Affiliate earnings from ReStore sales are
ReStores in Canada were responsible for
projected to decrease slightly in the first year
“We went from a donated shed to an
diverting over 12,000 tonnes of building
of operation in the larger space due to high
old curling broom factory. But that was
products from landfills.
start-up costs, but then return to their historic
just the beginning.”
level of 50-60% of gross sales. The opening
The Saskatoon ReStore sprang from
of a second The Home Depot in Saskatoon
humble beginnings. Volunteers began holding weekend yard sales
is expected to provide a healthy boost to ReStore sales, given their
in a donated shed, and later bought an old curling broom factory
ongoing and generous support of HFH activities. In addition, the
which was in need of much renovation. Hard work soon led to
University of Saskatoon is turning over surplus stock through asset
success, and ReStore sales and profits have shown steady growth.
liquidation to the ReStore. All things considered, the future looks
In fact, the Saskatoon ReStore manager projects annual sales to
bright for HFH and the ReStore in Saskatoon.
increase from the current level of $400,000 to $650,000 in 2008,
and to reach $800,000 in 3 or 4 years.
There are 60 ReStores in Canada at last count! To learn more about
ReStore operations in your community, visit “ReStores” on habitat.ca.
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To donate, advocate or volunteer visit www. habitat.ca
Shop Online and Support Habitat
www.rebateacause.com/habitat
Up to 15% of your purchases from major online retailers will be donated to
Habitat for Humanity. Check out retailers like Hudson’s Bay, Chapters Indigo,
Land’s End, Toys ‘R’ Us and many more. For a complete list of retailers
and more information, visit www.rebateacause.com/habitat, or habitat.ca and
select ‘Participate’.
**New this year** choose to donate all of your purchase rebate to Habitat, or donate
half and discount your purchases with 50% of the rebate.
Save on your Taxes –
Donate your Shares
to Habitat for Humanity
In May of 2006, the Federal government eliminated the capital gains
tax when you donate your publicly-traded securities to a charity.
In other words, you will receive 100% tax exemption on the capital gains.
So please consider donating your shares to Habitat for Humanity Canada, and
d help yourself to a tax break!
Please call 1 800 667-5137.
Speak with your financial advisor for more information, or visit Canada Revenue Agency’s website:
www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Thank you!
2007 Holiday Online
Giving Campaign
Give the Gift of Home over the Holidays!
As a supporter and volunteer of Habitat for Humanity, you’re
probably aware that since most of our homes are built using
volunteer passion and energy, our biggest expense is purchasing
building materials and land.
Thanks to the donations of our corporate supporters, we’re able
to subsidize much of the cost of materials. Still, even with this
generous support, there are costs we must cover to build a home
for a family in need of a safe, decent place to live.
Did you know that a $50 donation
covers the cost of a bedroom door?
Visit our ‘Donate’ page by January 15, 2008
We’ve launched an online campaign, which runs until January 15,
to help cover the costs of a home to be built in 2008. For more
information, please visit habitat.ca and go to our ‘Donate’ page.
Whatever you’re able to give, please know that you’re helping give
a hand up to a family in need – and creating immense joy and relief
for that family! Thank you, and all the best to you and your family
over the holidays!
To donate, advocate or volunteer visit www. habitat.ca
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