Today, Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta kicked off its second-annual Industry Build, presented by Ovintiv. From May 27 to 30, more than 100 participants from energy, real estate, media, and technology companies will help build 24 Habitat townhomes in the northeast community of Livingston. Together, Industry Build sponsors have raised $125,000 in support of affordable housing in Southern Alberta.
Industry Build underscores the collaborative spirit of Calgary companies and their commitment to addressing the housing needs of the communities they work in. This year’s sponsors include Ovintiv, Veren, Teine Energy, TC Energy, MEG Energy, Brookfield Residential, Corus Entertainment, Amazon Web Services, and ATCO/Rumi.
“As a leading North American energy producer, we are proud to support programs and initiatives like Habitat for Humanity, which help to address basic needs such as affordable housing,” says Rachel Moore, Executive VP of Corporate Services at Ovintiv. “Habitat carries out the important work of strengthening communities, building safety, security, and a sense of belonging through affordable homeownership.”
By attending Industry Build, participants get a unique hands-on experience contributing to the construction of affordable housing.
“We are grateful for the tangible way these industry leaders are coming together to support affordable home ownership in Southern Alberta,” says Gerrad Oishi, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta. "The funds they have raised and the time they are giving to build these homes are key to our ability to help local families build strength, stability and independence."
There is an escalating affordable housing crisis in Southern Alberta. Recent research indicates that one in five households cannot afford their housing. As the need for affordable homeownership rises, Habitat for Humanity is rising to meet the need. Last year, Habitat delivered more than $10 million in affordable housing, with plans for an additional $24 million underway.
Once complete this development in Livingston will add $9.8 million of affordable homes to the supply in Calgary. Families will buy these homes through Habitat’s affordable mortgage, with no down payment and no interest, giving them the opportunity to build long-term stability and independence.