Interview feature: Habitat for Humanity

We are so grateful and humbled by the work Habitat for Humanity Edmonton does for our Community. Amber Lechambre, a NAIT Alumni and the Vice President of Sustainability and Impact at Habitat for Humanity Edmonton, sat down with us to tell us more on about this impactful company.

Tell me about what problem Habitat for Humanity – Edmonton is hoping to positively impact.

Habitat for Humanity brings communities together to help families build strength, stability, and independence. We help families transition from living from paycheque to paycheque to living in stability with a mortgage empowers them to save for the future through equitybuilding. Families participate in the process not only through their monthly mortgage payments, but by contributing 500 volunteer hours as part of their partnership with us. Basically, we help families bridge the gap between renting and owning through affordable home ownership.

Can you tell me about a specific person who has used this program or describe the typical family that benefits from your program?

Jessica and Jordan Boyd were a couple in need of a “hand up” from Habitat. They tell their story better than I do (https://youtu.be/5bio-stmBMQ).

When did you first hear about Habitat for Humanity?

Like many others, I have been aware of Habitat for Humanity for many years, but it was often through the lens of the organization’s international work. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I learned that Edmonton has its own local Habitat affiliate that has served over 800 families throughout northern Alberta by providing them with access to affordable homeownership.

What attracted you to this cause?

Habitat provides foundational and generational changes in the lives of families. A home you can afford that is helping you build equity for the future has a dramatic impact on how you live your life. I wanted to be part of providing this type of change.

What inspires you?

I am inspired every day by Habitat’s many supporters, which are made up of individuals, businesses, students, and community groups. They give their time, talent, and financial resources to make this program possible for so many families. Our work would also not be possible without nearly 100 Habitat Edmonton employees who are dedicated to our cause and the people we serve. And I am inspired by the families in our program. Despite facing the rising cost of living on limited incomes, they work hard to maintain their homes in the interest of building equity and securing more options, opportunities, and possibilities for themselves and their children in the future.

What was the biggest challenge you’ve faced while working for Habitat for Humanity? What did you do to try to solve this challenge?

I started with Habitat in early 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic, when we had to temporarily close our stores and pivot to a remote work environment. Like so many companies we were navigating unfamiliar waters and had to find ways to make sure we were operating safely. Our team worked hard and made sacrifices in order to continue to deliver on our mission, and it truly was a great example of doing what is right for the common good.

What do you think other people should know about this organization?

The Buy Back program is huge. As we work towards being sustainable, we will be developing more programs so that donor dollars go towards building homes and serving families. Some people do not know that we operate a social enterprise that contributes funds for our charity. The Habitat ReSto re accepts donations of new and gently-used building materials, furniture, appliances, and more, and sells them to the general public at a discounted rate. All proceeds are used to fund the Habitat program.

How has Habitat for Humanity changed you?

Working for Habitat is my first job in the non-profit sector and I consider it a privilege to use my experience to serve families as opposed to shareholders. The impact we create can be seen every day, and it's great motivation for our team to work hard and innovate so that we can see even more families achieve affordable home ownership.

Is there anything else you would like to share with me?

I am actually a NAIT graduate myself (Marketing ’03) and I know that the hands-on education that I received helped shaped me into the resourceful and community-minded leader t hat I am today. I am excited by all that will be accomplished by Ooks in the future!

Are there any questions I should have asked you, but did not?

For more information about how to become involved in Habitat for Humanity, visit HFH.org.