On the afternoon of January 9, Zach, Emily and their one-year-old son were officially welcomed into their new Habitat home in New Glasgow.
Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia marked the occasion with a special key dedication ceremony—a milestone celebration for the larger community. The day was an opportunity to recognize the many individuals and organizations who have made the home possible by donating and volunteering their time.
“Today is a celebration of hope, resilience and community,” said Donna Williamson, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia. “It is an honour to witness the joy of Zach, Emily and their young son as they receive the keys to their new home. We are deeply grateful for the generous support of our donors, volunteers and partners who share our vision of building safe, affordable homes for families like Zach and Emily.”
Habitat Homeowners are selected based on need, their ability to pay, and their commitment to volunteer 500 hours toward their home and community. Zach and Emily’s Habitat home will provide a stable foundation for their family and help them build a brighter future for their son.
“We just wouldn’t have been able to do this without Habitat,” said Zach. “This is such a great opportunity, and we’re so excited to start this new chapter.”
Among those present at the ceremony were Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia CEO Donna Williamson, Central Nova MP Sean Fraser, Pictou Centre MLA Danny MacGillivray, New Glasgow Mayor Nancy Dicks, New Glasgow Deputy Mayor Jocelyn Dorrington and Ward One Councillor Jim McKenna.
Funding from the Government of Canada helped support the home’s construction. 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.
“Organizations like Habitat for Humanity are invaluable partners as we work to tackle the housing crisis and ensure that every Canadian has a safe place to call their own,” said The Honourable Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Nova Scotia. “I am proud that we could support this new home in New Glasgow, and I wish this family the very best as they start their new chapter.”
In March of 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.
The Province of Nova Scotia provided $75,000 to the project under the Housing Strategy Grant Fund.
“This is an exciting day for our community as we welcome a family to their new affordable home. Every home and unit counts and makes a difference in the lives of Nova Scotians waiting for affordable housing,” said Danny MacGillivray, MLA for Pictou Centre on behalf of Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Growth and Development. “Our government is proud to partner on such an incredible project, and we are looking forward to continuing our work with organizations like Habitat for Humanity who are truly devoted to helping Nova Scotians.”
The Stevens Family Foundation, the David & Faye Sobey Foundation, the Nova Scotia Department of Growth and Development, GAF Roofing, Trinity Energy Group, Sagen™, and the Sisters of Charity Halifax are among the many donors who contributed to this home. The Town of New Glasgow donated the land for the project.
Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia also extends its gratitude to its volunteer chapter in Pictou County. Their dedication and insight were instrumental in building the home.
For more information on Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia’s Homeownership Program and how to support Habitat’s work, visit www.habitatns.ca.