NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2023
Habitat for Humanity home dedication celebration in Brooks
Calgary, AB – Two families in Brooks, Alberta, will be receiving keys to their new homes following a Habitat for Humanity celebration event today that was attended by Premier Danielle Smith, Brooks Mayor John Petrie, other government officials, community partners, donors and volunteers.
“Safe and affordable homes offer families an opportunity to thrive and contribute to Alberta’s economy and community wellbeing,” said Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta President and CEO Gerrad Oishi. “Thank you to our government and community partners for helping these hard-working families achieve long-term stability and independence.”
Each family will be taking possession of one side of a new duplex in Brooks.
Since 2019, the Government of Canada has made a total funding commitment of $6,436,000 towards Habitat Southern Alberta projects, including this project. This funding commitment from the National Housing Co-Investment Fund includes a Black Families Funding investment of $2,056,000.
“Finding affordable housing solutions across Canada is only possible through the strong partnerships we have with organizations like Habitat for Humanity,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, and I am proud to see the federal government making a direct, positive, impact in people’s lives through the work of our National Housing Strategy.”
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 National Housing Co-Investment Fund.
The Government of Alberta has also contributed $4.9 million since 2019, supporting 49 Habitat homes across the province. Premier Smith, who is the MLA for the riding of Brooks-Medicine Hat, acknowledged Habitat's efforts and the significance of community partnership during the event.
“I’d like to thank Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta for taking action to build homes in our communities. This project is an excellent example of how government and our partners can work together to ensure more Albertans have access to a safe and affordable place to live,” said Premier Smith.
Alberta Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon also sent his congratulations.
“I want to extend my congratulations to Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta for their latest project in Brooks. Alberta’s government is laser-focused on helping people achieve their dream of home ownership and this project highlights our goals of bringing together partners from all sectors and orders of government to make life more affordable for Albertans."
The City of Brooks generously donated the land for this project and Mayor Petrie also spoke about the power of community collaboration.
“We are ecstatic to celebrate this home dedication as it’s a moment that represents the power of community collaboration and the fulfillment of dreams. This home stands as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and the unwavering spirit of our community. It's a place where a deserving family will build their future, and we, as a community, take great pride in providing this foundation. This dedication marks the beginning of a brighter chapter for this family and strengthens our commitment to creating a stronger, more inclusive community for all.”
Each family contributed to constructing the new duplex, as part of fulfilling their 500-hour Habitat homeownership program volunteer requirement. They were assisted by local tradespeople and 16 volunteers from corporate sponsor JBS Foods Canada. Every Habitat home is the result of donations of funds, building materials, skilled labour, and volunteer work.
“We are super happy and excited because our family will now have our own home and our dream will come true,” said new homeowners Janeth and Cristhian. “We feel very grateful to the entire Habitat team, its partners, sponsors, and volunteers for giving us the beautiful opportunity to fulfill our dream of having our own home.”
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For media inquiries please contact:
Joy Harrington, Social Media Marketing Specialist, Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta – jharrington@habitatsouthernab.ca or 587-432-255
Micaal Ahmed
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
About Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta
Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta is a non-profit organization that brings the community together to build strength, stability and independence for families through affordable home ownership. With the help of sponsors, donors, community partners and volunteers, we build homes alongside future Habitat homeowners to provide a solid foundation for better, healthier futures. Families purchase their homes through Habitat’s affordable mortgage with no down payment and no interest. Mortgage payments are geared toward each family’s income level and never exceed more than 25 percent of their total household income. Since 1990, we have partnered with more than 350 families across southern Alberta, affecting the lives of more than 1,050 children.
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