Habitat for Humanity Toronto

Habitat for Humanity Toronto was a local grassroots organization from its founding in 1988 to 2000. Every couple of years the organization built one or two homes thanks to a small group of dedicated volunteers and corporate donors.

In 2001 Habitat Toronto increased its building capacity by completing 6 homes in only 9 days on Luttrell Ave in Toronto's east end. Construction of those homes began with a ground breaking ceremony led by the co-founder of Habitat for Humanity, Millard Fuller. Building on the momentum from that build in 2002 the organization partnered with World Youth Day to build a home at Downsview Airport that would be blessed by Pope John Paul II.[1] The home was later moved to Lovilla Blvd.

In 2009, over 80 homes were built at three different build sites, due to the generosity of committed volunteers and donors.[2]

In 2014 Habitat Toronto, Habitat Brampton, Habitat York merged to form Habitat GTA.[3]

Habitat GTA does not cover Mississauga, Durham, or Halton, as Mississauga and Halton are covered by Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga, and Durham is covered by Habitat for Humanity Durham.

Habitat homes are built through funding from individual donors and corporate sponsors. Volunteers are the key to keeping costs down and building safe and decent homes. "In 2008 11,000 volunteers donated over 84,658 hours of their time and talent to Habitat for Humanity Toronto."[5]

Habitat Toronto has built homes throughout Toronto[6] and recently broke ground on their 200th affordable home.[7]

The 10 ReStores in Brampton, Caledon, Toronto and York Region are owned and operated by Habitat for Humanity GTA. The ReStores sell new and gently used renovation supplies and materials at discounted prices. These materials come via donation from homeowners and local businesses.[12] Money raised from the sale of items at the ReStores pays for the administrative and fundraising costs of Habitat for Humanity Toronto. This allows 100% of donations to Habitat for Humanity Toronto to go directly towards building homes for families living in need.

ReStores also conduct salvages, where a group of volunteers travel to homes and disassemble kitchens and other units and transport them to the ReStores. The ReStores help redirect large amounts of materials from landfills to homebuilders and renovators.[13]

The ReStores grossed $2.5 million in 2009 while redirecting 1,497 metric tons of reusable construction materials from landfills.[14]

Money raised from the sale of items at the Habitat Toronto ReStores pays for the administrative and fundraising costs of Habitat for Humanity GTA. This allows 100% of donations to Habitat for Humanity Toronto to go directly towards building homes for families living in need. The average cost for a Habitat GTA home is between $100,000 and $120,000. Mortgage payments from Habitat GTA homeowners go directly into a trust to build more Habitat homes. The Habitat model empowers families to help other families. For every 12 homes built by Habitat GTA, one additional home per year can be built from the mortgage income alone.[15]

Habitat GTA holds many special events during the year at build sites and other venues. These events can be a special build day for a celebration such as Mother's Day Build. Actress and supermodel Monika Schnarre participated in the 2010 Mother's Day Build with her mother.[16]

Each year Habitat GTA holds a "blitz build" that targets a specific group and tries to get a large portion of that group out to build. In 2009, the organization held a Women Build event where 300 female volunteers helped build 16 homes in Scarborough.[17]

Habitat GTA also holds an Annual Gingerbread Build in December where children are able to build gingerbread houses to help raise funds for the building of safe, decent and affordable homes.[18]

Habitat for Humanity Toronto has been awarded numerous times for their work in the community. They were presented with an Urban Leadership Award for Renewal in 2010.[19] The City of Toronto also honoured the organization in 2010 as an Affordable Housing Champion in Toronto.[20]

Habitat for Humanity Toronto CEO Neil Hetherington was named as one of the Top 40 under 40 by The Caldwell Partners International in 2009.[21]

• Habitat for Humanity Toronto Official Website