THE HABITAT
2014 FALL/WINTER
News and Views for the Friends of Habitat for Humanity Canada
What will you build?
A Message from the President & CEO
Please Join Me Someone once said the stories of our lives are comprised of single moments. The moment we fall in love, the moment our first child is born. Moments so significant that they change our lives forever. I recently had one of these moments when I was appointed President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. I’m deeply honoured and humbled to lead this great organization, and I accept this responsibility with enthusiasm and confidence for three reasons above all others: I believe in the transformative power of our mission and its ability to change lives; I believe that despite any challenges we face, we can build something great if we work together; and most of all, I believe with all my heart in the devoted families, volunteers and staff behind the work we do. I’ve been with Habitat for Humanity for almost 14 years, yet I don’t feel I’ve “worked” a single day. This has been the most demanding job of my career, but when I wake in the morning, I never feel that I’m going to work. That’s what happens when you love what you do.
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THE HABITAT SPIRIT Fall/Winter 2014
Over the years, I’ve been with some of Canada’s great non-profit organizations, but I’ve never in my life been so utterly captivated by a mission like Habitat’s. The full scale of the impact we have on the families we serve is utterly indescribable. And once you’ve helped a family realize the dream of homeownership, even though you intended to be the giver, you walk away realizing that you have been equally changed by the experience. Speaking personally, for everything that I have given to Habitat, I’ve received back in spades. As I embrace my new position as leader of this amazing organization, I would urge you to join me in building a better future for Canadian families. Grab a hammer; I know you won’t regret it!
Mark Rodgers, PhD President and CEO Habitat for Humanity Canada
Team Generous gifts animated film Themed around the necessity of a solid foundation in order for communities to flourish, on October 4, Team Generous premiered their 2014 animated short film in support of Habitat at the Tidemark Theatre in Campbell River, British Columbia. “The film truly encapsulates the essence of Habitat for Humanity and the hand up we provide to low-income families in communities nationwide,” said Mark Rodgers, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. “We couldn’t be more appreciative of Team Generous and the time and effort that went into this incredible film.”
DE CE M BE R
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Top rating from Charity Intelligence
Each year, Team Generous volunteers their time to create a short film for a non-profit organization. This year's film premiere kicked off Habitat for Humanity Canada’s recognition of the UN-designated World Habitat Day, observed on the following Monday.
Recognized for industryleading financial transparency, accountability to donors and cost-efficiency, Habitat for Humanity Canada was awarded top grades by Charity Intelligence’s new star rating system.
View the animated short at www.habitat.ca
Charity Intelligence developed this rating system to provide quick and easy insight into how charities spend funds and the work they do. Using a broad range of metrics to assess a charity's performance, Charity Intelligence's ratings found Habitat for Humanity Canada to be ‘top of class’, awarding four stars, the highest rating possible.
GivingTuesday, a day to give back Imagine a day dedicated to giving back… around the world, across Canada and in your own community! Just as Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season, GivingTuesday is the opening day of the giving season.
In addition, earlier this year Habitat for Humanity Canada received an ‘A’ for the percentage of spending that goes to program delivery by MoneySense magazine.
On December 2, consider making a donation to Habitat at www.habitat.ca, or text HOMES to 20222 to make a quick contribution to help Canadian families in need.
The Habitat Spirit, a publication of Habitat for Humanity Canada, seeks to promote communication, discussion and networking among Habitat for Humanity affiliates, volunteers and supporters.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS SHOULD BE SENT TO: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CANADA
477 Mount Pleasant Road, Suite 403, Toronto ON M4S 2L9 1.800.667.5137 Fax: 416.646.0574 habitat@habitat.ca www.habitat.ca
PHOTO CREDITS:
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
The photos contained in this newsletter were provided courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Canada, its affiliates and HFHI unless attributed otherwise.
Parcel Design Ernie Fraser
To donate, participate or advocate, visit www.habitat.ca
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Making Strides Expanding Affordable Homeownership Possibilities for Aboriginal Families in Need
BY JAYSHREE THAKAR MANAGER, ABORIGINAL HOUSING PROGRAM
ABORIGINAL HOUSING PROGRAM PARTNERS
FOUNDING PARTNER
Tachane Foundation
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THE HABITAT SPIRIT Fall/Winter 2014
On October 6, the UN-designated World Habitat Day, we at Habitat for Humanity made significant strides in serving aboriginal families in need of a safe and decent home. For one, we celebrated our 100th home to be provided under our Aboriginal Housing Program. The Bigstone family of Slave Lake, Alberta, was deeply impacted by the wildfire that ravaged their town in 2011. Included in the $700 million in damage caused by the fire was the home they had been renting along with all of their possessions. Following the fire, the family of six was forced to live in temporary housing. Three years later, the Bigstones were chosen by Habitat for
Humanity Edmonton to receive the 100th home to be provided under our Aboriginal Housing Program. For them, Habitat has been a blessing. Lisa Bigstone recalls the look on her children’s faces when they received the keys. She said it’s like her and her family are living an entirely different life. Since inception, it’s primarily been families living in urban or rural areas, like the Bigstones, who have been recipient of the hand up of affordable Habitat homeownership under our Aboriginal Housing Program. But as Canadians have become increasingly aware, there’s also a dire need present on aboriginal settlements and reserves. That’s why on World Habitat Day we also celebrated Habitat for Humanity Lloydminster’s signing of a memorandum of understanding with Flying Dust First Nation of Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, to provide affordable Habitat homeownership to families on a First Nation reserve for the first time. This partnership will see the construction of an elders lodge as well as retrofit of vacant homes in order to provide young families with the opportunity to realize affordable homeownership. Small steps that represent a significant leap so that more families like the Bigstones have access to the benefit of a safe and decent home they can afford.
Shelter from
THE STORM
From emergency shelter to permanent homes, providing safe and decent housing after disaster strikes BY ERIN O’NEILL DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
Photos © Ezra Millstein/Habitat for Humanity International.
Volunteers put the finishing touches on new Habitat houses during the 2012 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Haiti.
In the aftermath of disaster, access to shelter – along with the other basic human needs of food, water and health care – is essential to survival. What makes providing shelter unique among these needs is the role that safe and decent houses play in rebuilding communities long after the disaster or crisis has struck, as families embark on the long journey to rebuild all they have lost. Habitat for Humanity builds homes around the world on the simple but profound idea that a safe and decent place to live is the foundation on which all other dreams may be achieved – that when families have this, they are empowered to take control of their lives. This makes housing one of the most critical shortand long-term priorities in the wake of a crisis, and one of the greatest gifts that donors can provide for families in their time of need. A Long-Term Approach to Rebuilding Communities: The Shelter Continuum Habitat’s role in disaster recovery is not simply about rebuilding physical structures. Rather, it’s about using our area of expertise – housing – to restore social, economic, natural and cultural environments for communities and empowering families to be partners in their own recoveries over time. Habitat views the rebuilding process as a continuum that we call the “Pathway to Permanence”. This is the general step-by-step process that families move along from disaster homelessness to a permanent home, a timeframe that can last from a few weeks to many years. Adjusting to Support Community Needs Each crisis situation is unique. Habitat may play a range of roles at different stages in disaster recovery – roles that include providing emergency shelter kits, building homes or providing various housing support services. As the communities where Habitat works transition from crisis to relief to development stages of recovery, our programs must remain similarly dynamic. Consistent in Habitat’s approach is our long-term focus to supporting communities. Following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, for example, Habitat for Humanity Haiti set a goal to serve 50,000 families over a five-year period. In partnership with the global Habitat network and donors around the world, this goal was achieved in just three years. Today, Habitat continues its work in Haiti, including 26 infrastructure programs in the Simon-Pelé region of Port-au-Prince, building and repairing roads, adding street lighting, and retrofitting an additional 400 homes. In the process, and thanks to the support of Canadian donors and the department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada, we are providing residents with construction skills training to help them lead their own recovery efforts.
THE HOUSING CONTINUUM IN CRISIS: THE PATHWAY TO PERMANENCE
LARGE-SCALE NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION
CONSTRUCTION OF NEW PERMANENT, DURABLE HOMES
REPAIRING AND RESTORING DAMAGED DWELLINGS
TRANSITIONAL SHELTERS AND TEMPORARY HOUSING
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
To donate, participate or advocate, visit www.habitat.ca
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SEVEN DAYS IN WHITEHORSE BY ERNIE FRASER
Introduction As a Habitat for Humanity Global Village team leader who has led groups of Canadian volunteers around the globe, for several years I have wanted to host a team to Whitehorse. I had the opportunity to travel there during my career with the CBC and became captivated by the majestic beauty of the landscape and friendliness of the people. But what I also observed during my travels there was the significant need for safe, decent and affordable housing. As luck would have it, Habitat for Humanity Canada launched an offshoot of their Global Village program called Canada Builds earlier this year, focused on sending teams of volunteers to assist on Habitat builds within Canada’s borders. I dusted off my boots, coordinated with Habitat staff and put out the word about the trip I’d be leading to the Yukon in June. The Project Our project was located in Whistle Bend, a new subdivision about a 10 minute drive from the centre of Whitehorse. There, two lots have been allocated to Habitat for Humanity Yukon. Most of our efforts were dedicated to the final stages of the duplex being built there. We kept busy throughout our five work days and left with a sense of accomplishment and pride, knowing that we had helped bring a family closer to a home of their own.
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THE HABITAT SPIRIT Fall/Winter 2014
Habitat for Humanity Yukon was very well organized and took advantage of the extra hands available to them over the week. We had great support from two site supervisors familiar with the project, Jean-Marc and Stephan. They assigned tasks, instructed us on proper technique and oversaw build site safety. They also made sure we had coffee whenever we needed it and hosted stretches each morning that were always good for a laugh. Habitat for Humanity Yukon’s executive director, Stu, was also an exceptional host, even graciously welcoming us into his home twice for a home cooked meal. The future owners of the house in Whistle Bend, who have since moved in, came to the site on several occasions to bring us lunch or simply to ensure we knew how appreciative of us they were. They are a family of six with four young children. Speaking of lunches – they were fantastic. Our breaks were also good for spending time with people from the community and the Habitat for Humanity Yukon board of directors. Through various conversations and dialogue, we learned a great deal about the cultural environment and history of the Yukon, economic development brought by various First Nations initiatives and how the work of Habitat fits into the housing mix of Whitehorse and beyond. I was blessed with leading a great team of volunteers on this trip – positive, hard
“We kept busy throughout our five work days and left with a sense of accomplishment and pride, knowing that we had helped bring a family closer to a home of their own.”
team even took turns at throwing a spear. This stop was topped off with a traditional lunch before we headed to the Da Ku Cultural Centre in Haines Junction and Kluane National Park visitors' centre.
working, lots of fun, interesting and open to the experiences at hand. While much time and effort goes into planning and leading a team, the success of these trips ultimately comes down to the people, and once again, I fared very well. Beyond the Build An important feature of trips hosted by Habitat for Humanity is the cultural experience you receive. While we were exposed to this during our build days, we were immersed in it after completing our work. In addition to receiving great exposure to Whitehorse during our stay, there were many day trip opportunities outside the city and we availed ourselves of two. Day Trip to Haynes Junction Heading west from Whitehorse on the Alaska Highway, our destination was the Long Ago People’s Place in Haines Junction. This was a two hour drive through an area of spectacular scenery with the St. Elias Mountains increasing in elevation the further we went. Once we arrived, we learned about the history and culture of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nation. We were welcomed by Harold, who guided us through a number of sites and spoke to us about facets of traditional life such as camping, trapping animals, drying meat and fish, and my
For more on Ernie’s travels with Habitat, visit erniefraser.blogspot.ca
For Habitat’s upcoming trip schedule, visit habitatglobalvillage.ca
FOUNDING PARTNER, CANADA BUILDS
Day Trip to Skagway, Alaska There is a long historic relationship between Skagway and Whitehorse, as the Alaskan coastal town was where thousands started their arduous 800 kilometre journey to the Klondike gold fields around Dawson City. For many, the journey started with the long, steep climb up and through the Chilkoot Trail, often referred to as “The Trail of 98”. The Klondike Gold Rush shaped the development and way of life in this part of North America starting in 1896 and for decades thereafter. In fact, the influence of the gold rush era is still widely evident in Skagway, Whitehorse and the small town of Carcross located between the two. One of the great features of Skagway, in particular, are the many heritage buildings which are either the original facade or have been restored to their original look. By June 1898, the population of Skagway was estimated to be 8,000 to 10,000 with about 1,000 prospectors passing through every week. At the time, Skagway was the largest city in Alaska. Today, about 800 people live there year round, but the number of residents increases substantially during the summer tourist season as many temporary workers come to the town to support the services required by thousands of cruise ship passengers. The history of the Klondike Gold Rush is well documented and the town of Skagway continues to be strongly influenced by it. In addition to being a destination stop for the Alaskan cruise ships, it also attracts many tourists from Whitehorse. If you’re thinking of traveling, I highly recommend investigating opportunities through Global Village and Canada Builds. You’ll be accepted by the locals as ‘one of their own’, receive a cultural experience like none other, and best of all; you’ll be making a difference for a family in need of good housing.
To donate, participate or advocate, visit www.habitat.ca
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Partner for Success “How can we help?” It’s the question asked by everyone passionate about what Habitat does. Each year, Habitat for Humanity Canada and partners work together to find creative and impactful ways to help build more homes for families – and along the way, celebrate incredible milestones and success stories. These are just some of the ways our partners are making a difference.
Home Outfitters customers purchase “Help Build a Dream” cutouts of bricks, windows, doors and shrubs to “build” a home in-store, brick by brick!
Nissan Foundation volunteers contribute 4,400 hours of sweat equity on build sites across the country – and passed the $1 million mark in total donations
Scotiabank Shared Services swings the clubs for Habitat, raising $100,000 in one day
$115K MCAP mortgages offer mortgage owners the opportunity to make donations to Habitat home builds as part of their mortgage payment
THE HABITAT SPIRIT Fall/Winter 2014
$49.4
million donated in cash and product since 1996
3000 volunteer hours annually in Habitat for Humanity ReStores and on build sites
RAISED
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MPAC employees rise to the challenge in their first year of partnership
homebuilding grants disbursed since 1996, totaling more than $2.5 million
Gordon Food Service employees from across Canada support 11 Habitat families in under five years
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The Home Depot Canada
Recognized as 2013 Corporation of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals
$700K Genworth Canada “Meaning of Home” essay contest for Grade 4-6 students raises funds for local Habitat homes – over $700 thousand raised for 50 communities since 2006
The Co-operators “ReClaim” program donates $650,000 worth of salvageable material from damaged homes to ReStore
Building Blocks of a Habitat Home PARTNERS PROVIDING THE MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS NEEDED TO MAKE A HABITAT HOUSE INTO A HOME PAINT
LOAD CENTRES
WINDOW COVERS
LAMINATE FLOORING
INSULATION
FOUNDATION INSULATION AND FOAM SEALANT
Dulux
Schneider Electric
Hunter Douglas
Torlys
Owens Corning
DOW Canada
DRYWALL
CGC
PLUMBING AND HEATING
CIPH & HRAI members
FRIDGES/STOVES
Whirlpool “A BLITZ BUILD” IN ACTION All Weather Windows employees donate a weekend of their time to build windows for 35 Habitat homes
P&G commits $900,000 and gift baskets of household care brands, bringing healthy, happy homes to more Habitat families Through home building grants, support of our Aboriginal Housing Program and by providing a full-time, paid internship, RBC Foundation has donated more than $4.5 million since 1992
In addition to sponsoring two homes, Kijiji’s e-commerce program helps ReStores increase in-store traffic and sell more product to support families
Sharing the Passion! CIPH AND HABITAT CANADA: CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP
A Habitat partner since 1994, the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) and its members generously contributed more than $10 million in cash and product to builds across Canada, helping countless families realize their dream of homeownership. To commemorate 20 years together, CIPH members will sponsor a 13-home project in Burlington.
“It’s an amazing feeling to see the keys to a home being provided to the family – to see children who are proud to have a place to call their own home.” RALPH SUPPA PRESIDENT AND GM, CIPH
Raising a Glass for Employees at Constellation Brands “It was important to work with a cause our employees are passionate about, and to give back to the communities where we live and work. Our employees are so inspired by their work with Habitat. I can’t wait to see what else we can achieve together.” ROB KIRKWOOD STRATEGIC ACCOUNT MANAGER CONSTELLATION BRANDS CANADA
In their first year of partnership, Constellation Brands, an international beer, wine and spirits producer and marketer, approached Habitat for Humanity Canada about engaging its employees in Habitat's mission. It’s a partnership that’s taken off, raising more than $278,000 and engaging employees across the province.
To donate, participate or advocate, visit www.habitat.ca
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2014
NATIONAL PARTNERS
The key to Habitat for Humanity Canada’s success is the generous contributions we receive from our corporate, foundation, individual and government partners. Thank you to all of them. And special thanks to our committed multi-year partners; your long-term investment helps us plan into the future and better achieve our mission to build sustainable communities across the country. To view our complete donor list, visit www.habitat.ca. To learn more about partnership opportunities, contact Matthew Gustafson at (416) 644-0988 ext. 352 or mgustafson@habitat.ca. LEGACY PARTNERS
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Affaires étrangères, Commerce et Développement Canada
(Multi-year Partners)
PLATINUM PARTNERS
(Single-year Partner)
(Multi-year Partners)
GOLD PARTNERS
Tachane Foundation (Multi-year Partners)
SILVER PARTNERS
(Multi-year Partners)
(Single-year Partners)
BRONZE PARTNERS
(Single-year Partners)
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THE HABITAT SPIRIT Fall/Winter 2014
Donate your gently used household items, furniture and home decor. Visit www.habitat.ca/restore for a location near you.
spirit THE HABITAT
Habitat for Humanity Canada upholds the highest standards of accountability and transparency. Our reputation is our most important asset, and maintaining strong and open relations with our supporters is a top priority.
For this reason, Habitat for Humanity Canada is one of Imagine Canada’s Ethical Code Program participants, meaning that we commit to the guidelines set in Imagine Canada’s Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code. For more information, please visit imaginecanada.ca.