New Survey Findings Reveal Attitudes on Homeownership and the Housing Affordability Crisis

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Habitat for Humanity Canada has released the results of a new national survey revealing Canadians’ attitudes towards the affordable housing crisis in Canada and sheds light on the growing barriers to housing and homeownership. The Habitat for Humanity Canada Affordable Housing Survey, which measured the perceptions of Canadian homeowners and renters, also sheds light on the growing concerns and barriers to homeownership including lack of housing supply, increased cost of living, discrimination, NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) sentiment and more.

Habitat Canada’s Affordable Housing Survey finds housing affordability is a top concern for Canadians – the third most important issue facing the country today behind inflation and healthcare.

“This survey underscores how deeply concerned Canadians are about their housing situations and futures as affordable housing becomes increasingly out of reach,” says Julia Deans, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. “To address these growing concerns and make affordable housing and homeownership a reality for all Canadians, we need an all-in approach from non-profits, corporate partners, individuals and all levels of government.” Click here to read the media release.

“In our work, we see firsthand how access to stable housing transforms futures and fosters resiliency across generations,” says Deans. “We must act now, and we must act together towards addressing the systemic barriers and creating sustainable solutions to achieve affordable housing for all.”

Click here to read more about Habitat Canada’s housing solutions.

About the survey

Habitat for Humanity Canada commissioned Leger’s online panel to survey 1501 Canadians between September 7th and September 17th, 2022. A probability sample of 1501 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.5%, 19 times out of 2.

A Habitat Family Story

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Ta and Sah Blu tell us how they feel about becoming a Habitat partner family.  Please watch the video to get a tidbit about their story https://youtu.be/B2dpevbxh8s.

In the details below they give us a better understanding of what they went through in their life which is very compelling.  Partnering with this family and giving them the opportunity at homeownership was a no-brainer for Habitat Saskatchewan.

This is what Ta and Sah Blu wanted to share about their story:

“Forced to leave behind everything we knew, we escaped from the civil war in Myanmar. Displaced from our homes, we dreamed of growing roots again. Like you, we wanted the opportunity to build a normal life – have a job, own a home, and start a family.

After 14 long years in the refugee camp, one of our applications to immigrate to Canada was accepted and the other to the USA.  We were thrilled to be finally leaving the refugee camp, but now we were going to be separated from each other.

We never gave up on each other or the plans we had made. Our commitment to our dream kept us strong and we were reunited five years later.  We were so relieved to be together again, even if it meant sharing a small home with our parents and many siblings. There wasn’t much space for 10 people in the modest house, and soon there would be even less space as we were expecting our first child, Michelle.

When Michelle turned two years old, our second daughter, Milda, was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Spina bifida is a birth defect where the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly. Most children with spina bifida have some weakness or paralysis in their legs. Hydrocephalus is a buildup of fluid around the brain, which squashes surrounding brain tissue. In some cases, this can cause spasms and brain damage.

Much of our hard-earned savings would have to go toward getting the equipment that Milda needed to grow and play comfortably. It seemed like owning a home would never be possible.

When we heard about Habitat’s homeownership program, we knew it would be just the little bit of support we needed to stand on our own, and we needed to get out of the house we were living in because it was not wheelchair accessible. It was amazing, when we met with Habitat, they told us they could help with our accessibility needs for Milda and could give us a chair lift as well.

We still remember the day we received the life-changing phone call. We had been accepted to become Habitat homeowners!

Knowing that our family will be safe, we never have to be apart again, and our kids will have the freedom to live their lives with security, means the world to us.  So, thank you so much for helping our family, our lives will be forever changed!”

We always have an opportunity to help someone like Ta and Sah Blu’s family.  There are many low-income families in Saskatchewan that are in need of a safe, decent and affordable place to call home.  The goal is to set these families up with a chance at homeownership in hopes that this will help their children be successful in their journey through life.

In order for us to continue to help families such as Ta and Sah Blu’s, our charity requires donations from the community, at our ReStores, and through organizations and corporate donations. Any donation big or small is appreciated and goes a long way – it takes a village!  If you feel connected to our mission and would like to donate to our organization, check out our donation section on our website https://habitatsaskatchewan.ca/donate/.

What if everyone in Canada had a safe and affordable place to call home?

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As seen on Habitat Canada’s news channel – https://habitat.ca/en/news: 

As we mark National Housing Day on November 22 and as the housing affordability crisis deepens and further divides Canadians, it is time for us to recognize that our communities are in trouble, with too many people struggling to stay properly housed.

Forty per cent of Canadians are concerned about being able to pay their rent or mortgage over the next 12 months, according to Habitat for Humanity Canada’s Affordable Housing Survey. And four in five worry about having to spend less on food, savings, transportation and/or debt payments to pay for the roof over their heads.

Looking at generational differences, millennials are more than twice as likely as boomers to worry about paying rent or mortgages. Millennials make up the largest percentage of renters in Canada and they are the most pessimistic that Canada’s housing woes can be solved. That’s not too surprising, given that millennials are adults with young kids and established careers who expected that, by now, they would have the kinds of things their parents had – like an affordable home.

Now consider those most affected by the housing crisis – people who are finding it harder than ever to access stable, safe and affordable housing and put food on the table – and for whom homeownership has always been out of reach. Sixty-eight per cent of Canadian food bank users live in market rentals and, according to Food Banks Canada, they list housing costs as one of the top drivers of their food bank usage. It’s no wonder – the average rent in Canada was up 15.4 percent over the previous year, bringing the average monthly total to $2,024 a month.

Every aspect of the housing continuum – from homeless shelters to affordable housing, market rentals and homeownership – is under increasing strain, making it impossible for people to move along it. We must invest in all types of housing, and tackle the barriers to getting it built: zoning laws that don’t allow density and increased supply; municipal red tape that ties up developments, including affordable housing, for years; and the lack of affordable land. Municipalities that are increasing density, making it easier to build housing, and designating land for affordable housing will reap the benefits of having vibrant, prosperous and inclusive communities.

The issue of housing also divides neighbourhoods. Half of Canadians we asked felt that Not In My Backyard or NIMBY sentiment is one of the main barriers to making affordable housing available in neighborhoods, and 71 per cent agreed that ‘people worry about the impact of affordable housing on their property values and neighborhood’. Yet time and time again, studies show that well integrated affordable housing does not negatively affect property values and can actually benefit them. Canadians need to rethink their assumptions about what makes for a thriving neighbourhood and embrace the upsides of communities where everyone can live. After all, who wants to live in a place where vital and familiar services aren’t available because the staff they need have nowhere to live?

What Canadians do agree on is that housing matters. Let’s start there. We all need an affordable place to call home. And three-quarters of Canadians believe that more affordable housing could solve the social issues we are facing as a country. They’re right.  If we come together to address the housing crisis, we will be better positioned to solve other societal issues. Having access to a home with an affordable and stable cost – whether it is through rent or a mortgage – allows people to build financial stability. The experience of Habitat homeowners shows that when people no longer have to worry about whether to pay rent or put food on the table, they can focus on improving their economic opportunities, pursue additional education, and save for their child’s education. Knowing that 75 per cent of Canadians believe that too, is a hopeful sign that things will change.

We are a country of communities, and we all have a stake and a role to play in making our communities prosperous, welcoming, and inclusive, with safe and affordable homes for all. This is going to take an all-in approach from non-profits, businesses, and all levels of government, and the support and encouragement of individuals. We are all accountable for building better communities.

A better Canada begins with housing. And better housing begins with all of us.

One million reasons to celebrate 80 homes for 80 families! Watch the video for more!

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Homeownership enriches the lives of families in countless ways, just like it has helped Ramona and her family. Stable housing decreases transiency among children, who do better in school and lessens stress in adults, who are able to focus on advancing their future. We are proud to share the impact of Conexus Credit Union’s one-million-dollar partnership with us and how it has benefited 170 children from 57 homes across the province. There’s still more work to be done as we enter the final year of our partnership, and we look forward to working together to build safe and affordable homes for families in need.

Thank you Conexus Credit Union!

Habitat Saskatchewan Media Release – Haultain Crossing Celebration

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Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan Announces the 62 Unit Build Completion Celebration at Haultain Crossing, 1033 Edgar St.

Regina, SK – Haultain Crossing, the largest Habitat for Humanity build in Saskatchewan and the second largest in Canada, began construction in June 2015. This seven-year build has helped Habitat to serve sixty-two-plus families who have entered into homeownership and have a safe, decent and affordable place to call home. The last seven families moved into their homes at Haultain Crossing at the end of March 2022. In addition to these homes, a communal park was built that we will be naming the Conexus Credit Union Family Greenspace to honour them being the lead partner and donor for the project.

“Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan has provided sixty-two plus families with a forever home at Haultain Crossing and an opportunity to build a brighter future for their children in Saskatchewan through affordable homeownership,” said Denis Perrault, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan. “The mission of Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan is to help break the cycle of poverty with families through our homeownership program, and we know that this massive project has helped to achieve this goal. We are extremely proud of completing this seven-year build project as a non-profit organization and look to the future with excitement as we continue to build safe, decent, and affordable homes across the province.  This project was made possible with the support of many valued partners, donors, community members, staff, and volunteers. Conexus Credit Union has been our lead partner throughout this journey and with their pledge of $1 million dollars over four years which started in 2020, we were able to serve many families across Saskatchewan and at Haultain Crossing.  This contribution is not taken lightly, and we are so grateful that an organization such as Conexus Credit Union can offer us such a transformational gift to help people in need of housing.”

“Shelter is a necessity, and we know that when someone’s basic human needs are met, they can become financially well. Through our partnership with Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, we are not only able to provide over 80 families across the province with homes but have also created the Conexus Credit Union Family Greenspace – a space within the Regina-based Habitat community to gather, play and make memories,” said Mark Borgares, Board Chair, Conexus Credit Union. “Through our $1 million partnership, we are honoured to work with such an impactful organization that’s helping to improve the financial well-being of our community, and celebrate the families, sponsors, donors, suppliers, surrounding community members and volunteers who all play a critical role in making a meaningful difference for these families.”

In addition to the support received from Conexus, Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan also received funding from the Federal Government (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation), Provincial Government (Saskatchewan Housing Corporation), City of Regina, ISC, Farm Credit Canada, Greystone Managed Investments, The Mosaic Company, and many more local businesses. Habitat Saskatchewan is thankful for all volunteers that came out to work on this build over the years and everyone who participated in Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan’s mission.

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, please visit www.habitatsaskatchewan.ca.

Media Contacts:

Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan

Amanda Castilleja

acastilleja@habitatsask.ca

306-347-4657

 

Conexus Credit Union

Community Engagement

publicrelations@conexus.ca

306-781-5201

 

 

Habitat for Humanity hands over 17 units to new homeowners!

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Habitat for Humanity hands over 17 units to new homeowners!

“We were so happy and excited knowing that our family will be safe, and we never have to be a part again, and our kids will have the freedom to live their lives with security. It means the world to us.”

City councillor Terina Shaw (Ward 7) and Minister of Social Services Lori Carr also attended Monday’s event. Shaw spoke of how she empathizes with Moo and Ku, as she herself has experienced difficulty in finding and affording accessible housing. She said the story is “very dear to my heart.”

“I have a daughter with a wheelchair and, you know, just trying to find places that are accessible, trying to find the money to make things accessible was very, very difficult,” said Shaw.

During the announcement families living in the units came to join and take part in the announcement. People from all over the world are represented within the community. Children played on snowdrifts, parents spoke to one another and families sat and stood on the front steps leading to their homes.

“This seems to me like such a wonderful community. It’s not just a home, it’s a community,” said Shaw.

The project will see 62 families moved into homes that they will own. Denis Perrault, CEO HFH Saskatchewan, said the project, which started back in 2016, currently houses around 150 people.

Check out the full article here:

https://leaderpost.com/news/local-news/habitat-for-humanity-hands-over-17-units-to-new-homeowners

ISC Gives us a big donation! Thank you so much!

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Habitat Saskatchewan is so grateful!
Thank you ISC for the current donation of $25,000! In total, ISC has given Habitat Saskatchewan $75,000 over 3 years and this final amount brings us so much JOY!!!
If it wasn’t for organizations like this, helping families in our communities across the province gain affordable housing would not be possible!
The more people give, the more homes we can build and the families we can serve! So, thank you so much for being a part of our mission and vision!

Thank You FCC for Your Support!

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Thank you, FCC for choosing Habitat Saskatchewan as a worthy recipient of a donation of $3,000.00 to support our goal of building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership in our communities across the province.
This means the world to us!
Over the years FCC has also been there for us by volunteering their time on our build site! What a fun way to build relationships with your team!
At FCC, they care about the communities where their customers and employees live and work. Each year, FCC supports numerous registered charities, non-profit organizations, and schools. Corporate social responsibility guides how they operate and it helps them to achieve their goals as well.
We are in this together and we appreciate the support and partnership!

Over 100 new homes to support those most vulnerable in Regina

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Check out this article: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/media-newsroom/news-releases/2022/new-homes-support-most-vulnerable-regina

Regina, Saskatchewan, March 10, 2022

Everyone in Canada deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Affordable housing is key to Canada’s pandemic recovery for communities across the country, including in Regina.Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, was joined by Tara Osipoff, Executive Vice-President, Avana, and Nicki Ackerman, CEO of Avana Foundation Inc., to announce a federal investment of $30.8 million to support the construction of new housing through the National Housing Co-investment Fund (NHCF), representing the largest federal investment in affordable housing through the National Housing Strategy (NHS) for the city of Regina.Located on Trombley Street, the three-storey, wood-frame apartment building will be comprised of 116 units, with 39 units of affordable housing dedicated for women and children fleeing domestic violence. Building amenities include 117 electrified surface parking stalls, as well as an onsite turf play area, and a playground in the interior courtyard for children to play.

The building will be owned and operated by Avana Foundation Inc., the non-profit arm of the Avana, a real estate development and property management company based in Regina. Established in 2019, the Avana Foundation Inc. was created to provide affordable housing and give back to the western Canadian communities where they operate.

Construction of the Trombley Street project is currently underway and will begin welcoming residents in spring 2023.

This investment by the Government of Canada was made possible by the National Housing Strategy’s (NHS) National Housing Co-investment Fund (NHCF).

Avana Foundation

New Mortgage Signed with a Family in Prince Albert!

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November 2021, Nimo, Yasin, and their three children purchased their first home located in Prince Albert, SK.
This family looks forward to putting down permanent roots as their journey to a safe and peaceful home has taken many years.
With over 25 years spent in a refuge camp, let’s celebrate this family and their remarkable story about love, hard work, and a commitment to finding a better life.
Congratulations to them and we are so excited for their journey ahead as homeowners!
I guess you could say that is why we do what we do at Habitat Saskatchewan, and that is why people in our community and beyond give so genoursly to our charity.  Helping one low-income family at a time assume a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home, and giving them a chance to own a home is an amazing thing.
As the Director of Family Services, every day I show up at work means that I am one step closer to helping another family achive their dream.  I show up for them, not for me!
I hope that we can continue to do this for years to come!  That is why a donation means the world to us no matter how big or small.  The fact that someone thought of our charity brings us a sense of gratitude and joy.  I truly hope that the people who don’t know about Habitat have the opportuniyt to connect to our mission and vision at some point in their journey, and know that helping families in need of housing is the most gracious and important thing you can do in your life.
Thank you so much for listening!  We hope to connect with you soon, whether you are a donor, a family looking for housing, or someone who would like to partner with us!
Tara Goulet – Director of Family Services

Build Update!

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Our build team at Haultain Crossing in Regina has been hard at work finishing up the last 7 units of our 62 unit townhouse complex. Finishing touches like countertops, closet doors, and paint have all been completed in the last couple of weeks to prepare for the families’ possession date!