On Wednesday, March 29, Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie & Area held a small Dedication Ceremony to celebrate the completion of their fifteenth affordable home build.
In attendance were the organization’s fifteenth Habitat Homeowners, Ward 1 Councillor Sonny Spina, Habitat staff and volunteers, friends of the family, and representatives from several businesses who sponsored the build, such as SalDan Construction Group.
“We’re so grateful for the support of local businesses and individuals that have made this Habitat Home possible,” states Chelsey Foucher, Fundraising & Marketing Coordinator, “And we hope the community will rally together again to help us with our next project: building a five-unit complex on Goulais Avenue to help five local families become homeowners.”
This Blake Avenue Habitat Home is a universally accessible four-bedroom bungalow. Habitat Homeowners, Ahmad and Manal, will soon be moving in with their three young sons.
“It has been such a pleasure working with Ahmad and Manal in their journey toward homeownership, and we can’t wait to see what the future has in store for their family now that they have the strength, stability, and self-reliance to help them build brighter futures,” states Katie Blunt, Executive Director, “At Habitat, we know that housing is a key component of not just a family’s wellbeing, but the wellbeing of the community overall. Amidst an ongoing crisis in housing affordability, that’s what makes our mission more important than ever before.”
Under the Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) – an ambitious 10-year plan that will invest $82+ billion to give more Canadians a place to call home – the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF) is a program that gives priority to projects that help people who need it most. Its target includes women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans, and young adults.
“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, our government is investing in affordable housing here in Sault Ste Marie, and across the country. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste Marie & Area, Manal and Ahmad have achieved their dream of owning a home where they can raise their boys and build their future. Congratulations Manal and Ahmad, I hope that you find great happiness in your new home.” – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion
“Our government is committed to help families, such as Manal and Ahmad’s, to get their new home in Sault Ste. Marie that will help them thrive. Through partnerships with incredible organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, we will continue to build safe, appropriate, affordable housing necessary for healthy and sustainable communities and make a real difference here in Sault Ste. Marie and across Canada. This is the National Housing Strategy at work.” Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie
As a non-profit, Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie & Area relies on the generosity of volunteers, donors, and corporate sponsors to achieve its mission. If your business is interested in donating to or sponsoring Habitat’s upcoming five-unit complex on Goulais Avenue, please reach email marketing@habitatsault.ca to discuss this opportunity.