Thank you so much for considering Habitat Humanity 1000 Islands for your February 2021 grant.

Habitat for Humanity is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing by building homes in partnership with families in need. Habitat’s goal is to provide simple, decent, affordable housing to those who do not qualify for or cannot afford a conventional mortgage. The Habitat program is about home ownership, a long-term solution designed to break the poverty cycle. We envision a world in which everyone has a safe and decent place to live. So far in Leeds and Grenville we have completed 17 homes which are being purchased via an interest free mortgage geared to the family’s income.

Through volunteer labour, efficient management and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable, no-interest mortgages. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments go into a revolving fund, which is used to build more houses. Habitat for Humanity is not a give-away program. In addition to mortgage payments, each homeowner invests hundreds of hours of their own labour, called “sweat equity,” into the building of their house and the houses of others.

Over time, a family’s equity in their home increases. Habitat families often see an improvement in their financial situation since the percentage of their income being spent on housing remains at approximately 30%. Prior to purchasing a Habitat home, many of these families are spending over 50% of their income on rent. A safe, healthy living environment contributes to the positive growth and development of children. Habitat has recorded many examples of children within Habitat families becoming healthier, completing a post-secondary education and establishing successful careers.

Communities benefit as former renters become homeowners who contribute to the tax base. Habitat build projects also offer an opportunity for community members of all walks of life to come together and work side by side in a collaborative way. As the poverty cycle is broken, and a family’s financial situation improves, their dependence on local social services is decreased. In addition, pride of ownership leads to a renewed sense of confidence, and along with their stable, long-term housing arrangement, they become long-term contributors to the community and the local economy.

Habitat houses are sold to families, not given to them free of charge. In addition, families help to build their own home. By building homes at low cost, requiring no down payment, and by not charging interest on the mortgage, Habitat for Humanity is able to provide an opportunity, or a “hand up,” for families to buy a home. These families do not qualify for or cannot afford a conventional mortgage.

The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments go into a fund that is used to build more homes. The more homes that exist, the more cash flow there is available for further building. This “revolving fund for humanity” fuels exponential growth in the number of houses that are built over time. Habitat partner families help other families be lifted out of poverty housing through their mortgage payments. Money and materials donated to Habitat for Humanity builds are never lost to the community: They are recycled over and over to build more and more homes for families in need.

Jane Fullarton

Executive Director
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds & Grenville