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Press Release: 2023 Stud-A-Thon

Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia Fundraiser Looks to Raise $150,000 for Affordable Housing

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 6, 2023 

Dartmouth, NS – Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia announced its second annual Stud-A-Thon fundraiser. The fundraiser, which runs until Dec. 31, allows Nova Scotians to donate funds and decorate a stud – a two-inch by four-inch piece of lumber – to be used to build a Habitat for Humanity home in Nova Scotia.

“We are thrilled to host our second annual Stud-A-Thon, which plays a crucial role in raising funds for us to build affordable homes in the province,” said Donna Williamson, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia. “Last year’s fundraiser was a success, with many local businesses, organizations, and families coming together to decorate studs in creative and festive ways. This year, we want to double the impact.”

The inaugural Stud-A-Thon in Nova Scotia raised more than $75,000 last year. The studs were later used to build a home in Oxford, Nova Scotia.

The aim of the campaign is to raise $150,000, which will require 600 stud donations priced at $250 each. On average, it takes 300 studs to construct a Habitat Home. The goal is to collect enough studs to frame two homes.

In July, Chris Brown moved into the Oxford home with his wife, Emma, and their three kids.  “[The work of volunteers and donors] matters, and they will all be remembered, and honoured, and part of our family forever,” Brown said shortly before the home was completed.

“It is a crucial time to support affordable housing in Nova Scotia,” said Williams. “We’re seeing working families who are on the brink of homelessness due to the cost of housing. This fundraiser is an opportunity for people to have a meaningful time together while also making an impact on their community.”

Donations are available at donate.habitatns.ca/ge/studathon for $250 per stud. Charitable tax receipts are available for donations upon request. Individual and group fundraising opportunities for the Stud-A-Thon are also available at donate.habitatns.ca/ge/groupfundraiser.

About Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia

Since 1992, Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia has partnered with families in the province to build safe, quality and affordable homes.

We offer qualifying families in our program an affordable, no-down-payment mortgage with monthly payments that do not exceed 30 per cent of their monthly incomes. In return, they invest 500 hours in volunteer work, even helping to build their own homes.

We also operate the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Dartmouth, a building supply and home renovation store that accepts and resells new and gently used building materials, furniture and home décor items. The ReStore helps cover Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia’s operating costs. This ensures more donor dollars directly support our mission to build more affordable homes.

Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia is part of a network of 46 Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Canada and hundreds across more than 70 other countries.

Quick Facts

  • Since 1992, Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia has built more than 75 affordable homes in the province.
  • Habitat for Humanity offers qualifying families with household incomes below $80,000 an affordable, no-down-payment mortgage, with monthly payments that do not exceed 30 per cent of their monthly income. In return, families in the program invest 500 hours of volunteer time, even working to build their homes, and must complete the Habitat homeowner program.
  • A new study from RATESDOTCA shows Halifax’s average home price ($540,500) is 83 per cent higher than what the average household earning $76,046 can afford.
  • A recent survey commissioned by ratefilter.ca found that 62 per cent of Canadians have housing expenses exceeding Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s recommended guideline. Canadians are, on average, spending 37 per cent of their pre-tax income on housing.
  • The Province has pledged more than $1 billion to address the housing crisis in Nova Scotia. More than 80,000 new units will be needed in the next 10 years to meet anticipated demand.

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Additional Resources

Media Contact

Vanessa Jones,

Director of Fund Development and Communications

vanessa@habitatns.ca / (902) 448-7543

 

Caleb Freeman

Manager, Marketing and Communications

Caleb@habitatns.ca / (902) 225-6315

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