Dartmouth, NS – On the morning of June 26, Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia broke ground on a new home on Louis Street in New Glasgow. The initiative marks another step forward in the non-profit’s work to help families in Nova Scotia build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership.
To celebrate, Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia hosted a groundbreaking ceremony. Among those present were Donna Williamson, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia; Nancy Dicks, Mayor of New Glasgow; and Dave Sobey, Trustee of the David and Faye Sobey Foundation, which is contributing to the build.
“We are excited to embark on this journey to build a brighter future for a local family,” said Donna Williamson, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia. “This project exemplifies the power of community coming together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. We are deeply grateful for the support of our volunteers and partners who make our work possible.”
The project is estimated to take four to six months. Corporate build days and home sponsorships are available. Individual volunteer opportunities are also available at www.habitatns.ca. Individual donations are welcome.
Integral to the build is funding from the Government of Canada. Since 2019, the federal government has made a total funding commitment of $235,000 through the Affordable Housing Fund under the National Housing Strategy towards Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia projects, including this New Glasgow home.
This funding commitment includes a Black Families Funding investment of $115,000. Black families are disproportionally left out of homeownership in Canada. A Black family will be the beneficiary of this home.
“Organizations like Habitat for Humanity are invaluable partners in our work to ensure that everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home, and today’s groundbreaking is another example of how these partnerships are contributing to more affordable housing here at home,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities. “This targeted support for Black Canadians through the Affordable Housing Fund shows how when we all work together, no one gets left behind.”
In March 2023, the Government of Canada and Habitat for Humanity Canada announced an additional $25 million investment to build 500 new affordable homes across Canada over the next three years. This brings the total federal investment in Habitat for Humanity to $80.8 million through the Government of Canada’s Affordable Housing Fund.
Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia is actively seeking applicants for this home. Partner families volunteer 500 hours and pay an affordable, no-down-payment mortgage – geared to their income – to buy their home. All Habitat homeowners go through an application process to determine their level of housing need, ability to repay an affordable mortgage and willingness to partner with Habitat.
Williamson thanks Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia’s build partners and donors, without whom this project would not be possible. She also thanks the members of Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia’s Volunteer Chapter in Pictou County for their efforts in supporting the build.
For more information about the new home build project or to learn how you can get involved, please contact info@habitatns.ca.
Additional Resources:
Photos from the Groundbreaking Ceremony: Google Drive
Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia’s Website: https://habitatns.ca/
How to Support This Build: https://habitatns.ca/whats-new/projects/new-glasgow-home-build/
How to Apply for Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia’s Homeownership Program: https://habitatns.ca/apply
Media Kit: Google Drive Folder
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About Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia
Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia is a registered non-profit organization that brings communities together to help families in Nova Scotia build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia has partnered with 78 families in Nova Scotia since being founded in 1992.
Habitat’s model of affordable homeownership bridges a gap for people who face barriers to homeownership and would otherwise not have an opportunity to buy a home. Partner families volunteer 500 hours and pay an affordable, no-down-payment mortgage – geared to their income – to buy their home at fair market value. All Habitat homeowners go through an application process to determine their level of housing need, ability to repay an affordable mortgage and willingness to partner with Habitat.
As part of the global Habitat for Humanity network, Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia is one of 45 affiliates in Canada and part of hundreds of affiliates across more than 70 countries. For more information, please visit habitatns.ca.
For more information:
Caleb Freeman
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia
E: caleb@habitatns.ca
C: 902-225-6315
Micaal Ahmed
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Government of Canada
micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca