about us

Since it’s provincial roots were established in 1992, Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia has built over 70 homes throughout the province to help low income working families achieve the goal of successful homeownership.

An affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada, we form part of the more than 63,000 volunteers every year and more than 50 affiliate organizations across the country working toward affordable homeownership.

our mission

Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia brings communities together to help families build strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership.

our vision

A Nova Scotia where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.

our values

• Empowerment
• Partnerships
• Inclusiveness
• Community
• Transparency

our history

Habitat for Humanity was established in Halifax in 1992 as Habitat for Humanity Halifax Dartmouth. In 2011, we became Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia, a provincial affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada. To date we have built over 70 homes for hard working families in 15 communities across the province. Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia is currently building affordable housing for families in Halifax Regional Municipality, Cumberland County, Pictou County and Cape Breton.

For more background on Habitat for Humanity…
Habitat for Humanity Canada
Habitat for Humanity International

how does
Habitat for Humanity work?

Through volunteer labour, efficient management, monetary and in kind donations, Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates safe, decent and affordable houses with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat houses are sold to partner families using our affordable mortgage model.

Homes are built in communities where land availability allows either through donation or discounted purchase.

Habitat for Humanity is a hand up, not a hand out. In addition to geared to income mortgage payments, each homeowner invests hundreds of hours of their own labour, called “sweat equity”, into the building of their home and the homes of others.

building a foundation for healthier families and communities

Caught in punishing cycles of unpredictable rent increases, overcrowded conditions, or lack of access to affordable financing, many families live with a constant burden of uncertainty, stress and fear in Canada and around the world. That’s why we partner with working, low-income families to help them build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership.

Habitat homeownership provides families with more than just equity – it instills them with a renewed sense of pride and responsibility. The impact is immediate and the effects are lasting.

Research has shown that Habitat homeowners are happier, healthier and more financially stable, which can allow them to return to school, learn a new trade or upgrade their job skills. Meanwhile, their children are more confident and do better in school.

But the benefits of a Habitat home reach far beyond the four walls these families help build. Through reduced reliance on social housing and food banks, better education and employment outcomes, and improved health, every Habitat home built helps create $175,000 worth of benefits for the local community.

partner families

With a little help, Habitat homeowners are able to achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves and their families. They are empowered to overcome the barriers that so often stand between their families and better, healthier, more financially stable lives.

Qualified Habitat homebuyers are:

In need of better housing: Potential homebuyers might be dealing with poorly maintained, unhealthy or overcrowded housing; unaffordable rent; inaccessible housing for people living with disabilities; or have other shelter needs.

Willing to partner with Habitat: Habitat homebuyers put in hundreds of hours of “sweat equity” volunteering with Habitat. This typically involves helping build their own home or the homes of others in the program, volunteering in their local Habitat ReStore as well as taking classes in personal finance, home maintenance and other homeownership topics.

Able to make affordable mortgage payments: Habitat offers homebuyers an affordable homeownership opportunity. Their mortgage payments cycle back into the local Habitat for Humanity to help build more affordable houses.