Doubling Capacity to Serve More Ottawa Families in Need: Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa breaks ground on their largest build season to date

MEDIA ARE WELCOME TO JOIN TODAY AT 2PM ? INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE

When:  Monday, May 27, 2019 from 2-3pm.

Where:  6208 Jeanne d'Arc Blvd., Orleans, corner of Jeanne d'Arc and Fortune.

OTTAWA, May 27, 2019 /CNW/ - Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa is proud to kick off their largest build season to date today with a ground breaking celebration. The final phase of the Leacross Landing development is comprised of nine homes, and will be Habitat Greater Ottawa's largest build season to date. Upon its completion, the development will consist of 16 homes and house over 40 children.

"Not only are we celebrating our 25^th Anniversary, we are celebrating another milestone by doubling our construction capacity," says Marc Caron, Interim CEO, Habitat Greater Ottawa. "Traditionally, Habitat Greater Ottawa has constructed two to four homes per year. This build season affirms our launch into housing developments, with plans to construct 8-10 homes per year moving forward. We are well aware that there is a shortage of affordable homeownership options in Ottawa and we are proud to be able to grow to meet the need. We believe that everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home."

"I'd like to congratulate Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa on their largest construction project to date. Affordable housing is an important priority for the City of Ottawa. The City is proud to support Habitat for Humanity in their efforts to provide local families with a stable and safe place they can call home, while helping to increase Ottawa's affordable and supportive housing stock," adds Jim Watson, Mayor, City of Ottawa

 In the words of our future homeowners:

"I can't believe I'll get to own my very first home next year! Everyone has been so gracious and you can tell that they are rooting for you to succeed. You can really feel the strength of the Habitat community and how proud the volunteers are of the organization. In the end, it all comes down to my son who is the most important person in the world to me. I want him to have that feeling of growing up in a safe neighbourhood and the love of community where he can go out and play with friends and not have to worry about whether or not he'll have a stable place to live." ? Isabelle, future Habitat Homeowner

"My family is so overjoyed at the opportunity to own our home. My boys are so excited they ask me every day when we are going to move into the new house! We can't wait to feel safe when we are at home. I want a place where my children have room to play their sports and I want a place that we can proudly call our own." ? Said, future Habitat Homeowner

"I look forward to freeing myself from the stress that comes with living in our current neighborhood and all the maintenance problems in our home. Working with Habitat for Humanity will allow us to take control of our home and our lives. I am excited to work hard for a positive change and a fresh start for my family." ? Fadumo, future Habitat Homeowner

"It is true what people say about the amazing chance this organization provides for those in the community who need it. Thanks to Habitat's help my children will grow up in a positive environment and will have better chances in succeeding in life. I am forever grateful for this chance to work towards owning our very own home, because it has forever changed our lives." ? Osman, future Habitat Homeowner

Full family profiles and photos are available at www.habitatgo.ca.

Habitat Greater Ottawa could not build without the support of the community, volunteers and sponsors. Thank you to the Leacross Foundation and the City of Ottawa for their generous sponsorship of this development. 

About us:

With the help of volunteers and Habitat homeowners, Habitat for Humanity builds safe, decent and affordable homes, including single-family and multi-unit houses. Habitat has been building homes in Ottawa since 1993, and has served 76 local families over the last 25 years.

Habitat does not give away free homes ? the families who partner with us pay an interest-free mortgage geared to their income and volunteer 500 hours with our organization. As Habitat homeowners pay off their mortgage, the funds are reinvested into a revolving fund, which we then use to build more homes for more families in the community. Our model of affordable homeownership bridges a gap for low-income working families by providing them with the opportunity to purchase their own Habitat home and build a better future for their family.

According to a 2013 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) survey, Habitat for Humanity families are happier, healthier, and more financially secure after moving into their Habitat Home. 89% say their family life has improved, 86% report being happier, 70% report improved health and stress, and 65% report a an improvement in their children's confidence.  The study found that for every 1$ invested in a Habitat home, 4$ in social benefits are returned to the community.

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa