Katie Blunt is the Executive Director at Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie and Area. At work, she leads a highly motivated team in the implementation of the organization’s strategic plan with the overall goal of creating affordable housing for families that face barriers to traditional homeownership.

Katie graduated from McMaster University in 2015 with a Master’s Degree in Political Science. Before her work with Habitat, Katie worked in various community-oriented roles including fundraising for the British Red Cross, coordinating the Community Adjustment Committee with the City of Sault Ste. Marie, and facilitating social enterprise development across northern Ontario with NORDIK Institute.

One of her most significant personal achievements is volunteering in Ghana, Africa at a children’s home where, in collaboration with volunteers from across the globe, farming land was purchased to provide the home with a sustainable source of food.

Katie has contributed to Sault Ste. Marie by helping to organize the Jane’s Walk Festival, assisting in the start-up of the Algoma Community Foundation, and participating on various committees such as the Cultural Vitality Committee.

Joe Mackenzie is the Finance & Risk Manager at Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie & Area. He has been with the organization for over 10 years. He graduated in 2010 from Algoma University with a degree in accounting.

Outside of work, Joe loves playing hockey, watching the Soo Greyhounds, and going out for lunch. Most of all, however, he loves his family. Joe lives with his wife, Desiree, and his two sons, Max and Miles. As a Sault Ste. Marie resident all of his life, Joe is proud of the work that Habitat for Humanity does for the community.

Jill was born and raised in Nova Scotia where she attended Saint Mary’s University, graduating in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology as well as playing for five years on
the women’s hockey team. Following graduation, Jill moved to Alberta where she began her career in human services, working predominantly in the housing and homelessness sectors.

During her eight years in Calgary, Jill gained professional experience in both frontline and leadership roles while working with vulnerable folks of all ages. She also enjoyed volunteering with Hockey Education Reaching Out Society (HEROS), providing kids and youth with an opportunity to play hockey, who may otherwise not have the chance to do so.

Since moving to Sault Ste. Marie in 2020, Jill has continued to use her knowledge and experience to illicit change in the local housing and homelessness system, engaging leaders and stakeholders throughout the community to encourage a more integrated system of care to solve homelessness. Jill also discovered a passion for sewing, and in 2022 started her own business designing and making upcycled clothing, bags, and more.

Outside of work, you can likely find her at the rink, perusing her entrepreneurial endeavors, or enjoying time outdoors with friends and family, and her dog, Gary.

Kassidee is a 27-year-old Sales Associate at the Habitat ReStore. She was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Kassidee believes in Habitat for Humanity’s mission and values, and that, by working at the Habitat ReStore, she is helping make her community a better place. In her free time, Kassidee enjoys being outside and hanging out with her friends, family, and dog.

Kevin Possamai lives with his parents, who own a Construction Company that Kevin loves to help out with. Kevin is a member of Community Living Algoma. He loves and does many Special Olympics seasonal sports.

He was a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity ReStore before being asked to join the team as a staff member. Kevin loves to come to work and interact with the staff. He is so happy to meet new people and always ready to help the customers. Kevin “came alive” with the opportunity that Habitat for Humanity has given him. To learn more about Kevin, you can watch his short film by clicking here.

Autumn is a part-time sales associate at the Habitat Restore. Autumn likes how Habitat for Humanity is determined to help people and she desires to be a part of the change.

In her free time, she enjoys being around her friends and co-workers. Autumn is currently pursuing a degree in Social Work at Algoma University.