2008 Annual Report

Building Homes. Building Hope.

ANNUAL REPORT 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

VALUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 FROM THE BOARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 FROM THE CEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 BUILD UPDATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 THE HABITAT MODEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 PARTNER FAMILIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 VOLUNTEERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 RESTORE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 DONORS & SPONSORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 FINANCIAL SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver

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VISION: A world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.

MISSION: To mobilize community partners and volunteers in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty.

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Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver | ANNUAL REPORT 2008

VALUES:

HOUSING FOR ALL We believe that access to safe, decent and affordable housing is a basic human right that should be available to all.

HUMAN DIGNITY We believe in the worth and dignity of every human being. We respect the people we serve and those that help us in this effort. People are our greatest resource.

PARTNERSHIP We believe we can best achieve our mission through meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships with others.

FAITH IN ACTION We believe that faith is lived through action. Building on our Christian foundation, we serve and work with people of all faiths and beliefs in a spirit of justice and compassion.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSIVENESS We believe there is a role for everyone committed to our vision, mission and values and we seek to enrich our organization through diversity.

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver

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FROM THE BOARD With each passing year we get stronger and increase our capacity to serve families in need of safe and affordable housing. This year saw the culmination of everyone’s hard work with the turning over of keys to four more families.

The behind the scenes work by volunteers and staff is truly phenomenal.

A mountain of organising and paperwork lies behind the building of each home, and while we would all rather just get out there and help a family build their home, nothing worthwhile is ever that simple.

Everyone who contributes to getting the job done can be justifiably proud of the work accomplished, whether it is the family partnering with us for the chance at their dream, volunteers on site or at the ReStores, staff in their various roles, Board Members, donors of cash or materials — each has a role to play. Like a jigsaw puzzle, each piece adds to the whole.

Having served as the Chair of this affiliate for the past two years, I want to thank you all personally and from the rest of the Board for helping to further the international movement of Habitat for Humanity. I appreciate the work and dedication that makes us better at what we do. I know there is much more to be done but that should never deter us from celebrating what has been accomplished.

The success of Habitat for Humanity is dependant on the participation of everyone in the community. Please take a moment, no matter what your role, to be proud of what we have accomplished and to thank those who have built upon your contribution.

Jim Lippert, Board Chair

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Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver | ANNUAL REPORT 2008

FROM THE CEO The power of a home goes far beyond the benefit of shelter — and for our volunteers, donors and supporters — they see the true value of their commitment. Beyond the physical structure of a house, there is a family whose dreams are coming true!

As I look back on our achievements over the past year, I am inspired by witnessing our partner families, volunteers, donors, politicians and professionals giving back… making a difference, taking action.

The dedication of four more homes in November was a reminder of the importance of continuing to work hard to help more families become the owners of decent, affordable homes.

Our goal for the coming year is to continue working on the Phase 5 homes at the Burnaby site, and search for another site to build even more homes in the future.

I thank you for all you do… for all you give back, and I look forward to our continued work together to transform our community for the better.

Anneke Rees

“It is the greatest gift that our family has ever been given.

It has enhanced my feelings for the people in the community.

I’ve always felt that I would never have a home — that I would always rent. It’s just unbelievable that so many people would work so hard to do this for someone they don’t even know. I can’t even express the gratitude and respect I have for everyone who volunteers.”

Margaret Van Essen, Habitat Partner Family

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver

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“No one has ever become poor by giving.”

Anne Frank

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Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver | ANNUAL REPORT 2008

BUILD UPDATE:

After many months of hard work, four more Habitat partner families moved into their townhouses on Government Street in Burnaby.

On November 29, 2008, volunteers, donors, staff and sponsors of Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver gathered together at the Dedication Ceremony to present the families with the keys to their new homes.

The Burnaby build is now more than halfway to completion with 16 families and 32 children living in the community. Volunteers are already hard at work building the Phase 5 townhomes in partnership with five more deserving Habitat partner families.

“Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver has changed our lives, and we can’t express enough thanks to the organization, its sponsors and volunteers for all they have done. Our family is so thrilled to have been a part of this process, and we’re very much looking forward to moving into our new home. This is a day we will all remember for a very long time.”

Randy Forrester, Habitat Partner Family

“On behalf of myself and my family, I wish to express our thanks to Habitat for Humanity, volunteers, sponsors and all those who directly or indirectly contributed to this project.

Without them, our dream of having a roof over us would have been just that – a dream. Our belief in the goodness of humanity has been enhanced by everyone involved. ” Nawaz Soomro, Habitat Partner Family

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver

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“Charity begins at home and justice begins next door.” Charles Dickens

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Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver | ANNUAL REPORT 2008

THE HABITAT MODEL:

HOW THE HABITAT MODEL WORKS 1. We identify and work with low-income family partners who would not be able to afford a traditional mortgage on their own.

2. Through individual, community, and corporate donations of money, materials and labour, we work with the partner families to build their home.

3. We sell the home to the partner families at market value as determined by an independent third party. There is no downpayment and the mortgage is interest-free.

4. Mortgage payments are based on family income rather than property value and are reviewed annually. Monthly payments and taxes are capped at 25 percent of the families’ gross household income.

5. Mortgages are held by Habitat until the mortgage is paid off.

Mortgage payments are reinvested back into building homes for new families which makes Habitat a self-sustaining, permanent, and tangible solution for affordable housing.

“In my words, Habitat is about a community coming together to build homes for hardworking people who don’t make enough money to afford a [conventional] mortgage or a down-payment for a home. It also means having a home for your family, having roots in the community and a place to call your own.”

Margaret Van Essen, Habitat Partner Family

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver

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“There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life — happiness, freedom, and peace of mind — are always attained by giving them to someone else.” Peyton Conway March

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Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver | ANNUAL REPORT 2008

PARTNER FAMILIES:

FAMILY SELECTION CRITERIA Families must meet three basic criteria to be considered eligible for selection: 1. Need for affordable housing — the family must be living in inadequate rental housing which is too expensive, too small, unsafe, or substandard; 2. Ability to repay a Habitat mortgage — requires that the family has a stable income sufficient to cover the monthly mortgage payments and other expenses that come with home ownership; overall family income must fall between pre-determined minimums and maximums based on family size; and 3. Willingness to partner with Habitat — families cannot receive the keys to their home until they have performed 500 hours of sweat equity. This is a mandatory requirement which serves to build selfesteem; pride of ownership, and a feeling of community amongst the partner families.

DID YOU KNOW? BC leads the nation in children living in poverty, with 22 percent of children in this province living beneath the poverty line.

CBC News, November 21, 2008

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver

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HOW PARTNER FAMILIES ARE CHOSEN Each family is required to complete a detailed application form, which is then reviewed by our Family Selection Committee, a staff-supported group of volunteers who represent all aspects of society.

Their backgrounds include healthcare, education and social services so they bring expertise with respect to various challenges faced by families and children in low-income situations.

Committee members interview the family in their home and communicate with the landlord and employers. References provided by the family are checked and family finances and credit ratings are reviewed very carefully.

When all the criteria are met, we invite the family into partnership. An agreement is signed and the family is required to volunteer 500 hours of “sweat equity” before they are eligible to purchase their home.

We offer many ways to complete the sweat equity hours including helping in the ReStore, assisting in fundraising efforts, labouring on someone else’s home and, of course, working on building their own home.

Families are required to attend training workshops to help them learn about the responsibilities of home ownership. The program covers topics such as setting goals, budgeting, use of credit, problem solving and how to be part of strata. It is designed to prepare the family for the financial, property and community responsibilities that come with owning a home.

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Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver | ANNUAL REPORT 2008

HOW THE HABITAT PROGRAM BENEFITS PARTNER FAMILIES AND THE LARGER COMMUNITY •

Over time, a families’ equity in their home increases. Habitat families can often see an improvement in their financial situation since the percentage of their income being spent on housing remains at 25 percent. Prior to purchasing a Habitat home many of these families spend over 50-70 percent of their income on rent.

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A safe, healthy living environment contributes to the positive growth and development of children. Habitat has recorded many examples of children within Habitat families becoming healthier, completing a post-secondary education and establishing successful careers.

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Communities benefit as former renters become homeowners who contribute to the tax base. Habitat projects also offer an opportunity for community members, from all walks of life, to come together and work side by side in a meaningful way.

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Pride of ownership leads to a renewed sense of confidence, and along with their stable, long-term housing arrangement, Habitat partner families become long-term contributors to the community and the local economy.

“My daughter was doing re-bar with me. She was in high-school and here she was on her days off and weekends to help her mom build a house. It was incredible. It really brought our family together in a big way. It made really big changes in our home life.

We’ve all become closer as a family because of it.”

Margaret Van Essen, Habitat Partner Family

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver

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“Thank you for such a wonderful day. We braved cold weather and we’re sure glad we did. The H4H experts gave great guidance and with such patience. This opportunity allowed us to share in some learning and some laughter — all while delivering on a great cause.” Nicole Yeasting, BC Housing 14

Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver | ANNUAL REPORT 2008

VOLUNTEERS: It has been said that volunteers are the heart and soul of Habitat for Humanity. At its inception, every aspect of Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver was run completely by volunteers. Since then, the organization has grown but still has volunteers at its core.

CONSTRUCTION In 2008, we completed four more homes with volunteers from all walks of life providing over 18,000 volunteer hours. They joined together for the single purpose of providing safe, decent and affordable housing for low-income working families in Metro Vancouver.

Our volunteers provide the majority of the labour for the overall construction of each home. Although we use professionals for some aspects of building, we are fortunate that many trades offer their services at cost or less.

It isn’t just individual volunteers that make a difference; corporate groups volunteer at our Burnaby site every week of the year. Corporate Team Build days are a great way to spend time with co-workers or clients and contribute to the community.

DID YOU KNOW? Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity is a great way to learn new skills.

“Now I know how to paint, how to do insulation, I know how to do so many things in the house. I can even fix my house myself when there is something wrong.

It was such an experience — to build a house.”

Margaret Prempeh, Habitat Partner Family

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver

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BOARD & COMMITTEES The Board of Directors volunteers their expertise to provide strategic direction to the organization and populate several ongoing committees such as Family Selection and Family Partnering.

BOARD MEMBERS AT DECEMBER 2008 Wayne Arondus, Kitchencraft Joanne Campbell, BC Hydro Virginia Edelstein, Volunteer Vancouver Derek Hodgkinson, Canada Post Elizabeth Huntsman, Retired Jim Lippert, Retired Ruby Ng, Communications Specialist Anneke Rees, Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver Neil Hunter, Rick Hansen Foundation

“I can’t say enough about the people who volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. They are the best people in the world.

Everyone who’s there is there because they want to be there and you’ve never been on a worksite where there’s a happier group of people.”

Randy Forrester, Habitat Partner Family

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Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver | ANNUAL REPORT 2008

OFFICE Our regular office volunteers assist with data entry, filing, photocopying, recycling and who are willing to jump in and help with pretty much anything else that needs to be done.

RESTORE Our ReStore volunteers give us their time from Monday to Saturday throughout the year, doing everything from cashiering, stocking shelves to customer service. Because of their dedication, our ReStore revenue increased by over 18 percent in 2008.

To recognize all of these amazing volunteers we held a volunteer recognition BBQ at the Vancouver ReStore in August 2008, with over 80 people in attendance.

Thanks to everyone who lent us their heads, hearts and hands in 2008!

“It’s our privilege to go to the Vancouver ReStore every week. It gives us a sense of meaning and we feel we’re contributing to the community. Also we have a lot of fun and meet a lot of fun people.”

Laurie Pujo, Vancouver ReStore Volunteer

DID YOU KNOW? Some of the merchandise in the ReStores is brand new and everything is priced at 50-80% less than retail.

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver

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“If we can spend the early decades of the 21st century finding approaches that meet the needs of the poor in ways that generate profits and recognition for business, we will have found a sustainable way to reduce poverty in the world.� Bill Gates 18

Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver | ANNUAL REPORT 2008

RESTORE: The ReStores are a place to discover. Customers from all walks of life — contractors, builders, designers, home owners and fi xer uppers — come to our store and find great deals every day.

Every time a customer makes a purchase from one of our ReStores, they are assisting us in building Habitat homes.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver operates two ReStores.

The original store at 2475 Douglas Road in Burnaby, and a 20,000 square foot site, located at 69 West 69th Ave in Vancouver.

The ReStores sell quality new and used building supplies, appliances, and assorted home décor items at a fraction of retail cost. Items are donated by local retailers, manufacturers, home owners and movie productions. We are very appreciative of these donations and the support we receive from our community.

Donating to and shopping at the ReStores helps Habitat for Humanity build safe, decent, affordable homes for low income working families in our community, while diverting tonnes of material from entering the landfill.

RESTORE SPONSORS A1 Windows Centra Windows Ltd. Griff Building Supplies Norburn Lighting & Bath Centre Robinson Lighting & Bath Centre Standard Building Supplies The Home Depot The HYDRECS Fund TORLYS Smart Floor Vancity

DID YOU KNOW? Profits generated by the ReStores fund Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver’s operating costs, including salaries and utilities, which means that 100% of donations go directly into constructing safe, decent affordable homes.

Since the Burnaby Store opened in 2005, the ReStores have contributed more than $1.4 million towards the 27-unit townhouse community Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver is building on Government Street in Burnaby.

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver

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“I only feel angry when I see waste.

When I see people throwing away things we could use.” Mother Teresa

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Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver | ANNUAL REPORT 2008

DONORS & SPONSORS: We receive generous support from local and national companies, organizations, community groups and individuals. Thanks to everyone who supports Habitat for Humanity, low-income families become homeowners, neighbourhoods are revitalized, and children are better prepared to realize their potential in a safe, decent and stable home.

Without the help of our generous supporters, we would not be able to continue our vital work. We extend our sincere gratitude to them and invite you to join in partnering with Habitat for Humanity to create affordable housing in Greater Vancouver.

In 2008, many people raised money for Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver through third-party events such as golf tournaments, holiday/ housewarming parties, marathons and concerts.

We also adopted an online fundraising tool that makes it easy for our supporters to create a fundraising page and collect donations on behalf of Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver. Whether you fundraise on your own, with a community group or as part of a corporate event, every little bit helps and we greatly appreciate your contribution and support.

With sales from the ReStores covering our operations, every single dollar you fundraise goes directly towards building homes for families.

“In five months, I am already halfway to my goal of raising $10,000 for Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver. I have a link to Habitat’s online fundraising tool on my website. We all have networks of friends, family and colleagues who would be happy to support such a fantastic cause. One person can make a difference…all you have to do is ask!”

Wayne Helfrich, “The Puzzle Man”

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver

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PHASE 4 LEAD PARTNERS House Sponsors

Builders

James Richardson & Sons, Limited

AT&T

The Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia

Citizens Bank of Canada

Capers Whole Foods Market

Ventana Construction Corp

Commonwealth Insurance Company

Half House Sponsors

Genworth Financial Canada

The Home Depot Canada

Habitat for Humanity Canada National Sustainable Building Program Fund

eBay Foundation MCAP Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver ReStore

Investors Group

Room Builders

Mackenzie Financial Corporation

Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of BC

Taymor Industries

GWL Realty Advisors with Gateway Property Management Co and Omicron

Tonko Realty Advisors Ltd.

Macdonald Realty Ltd.

TD Canada Trust

Teekay Corporation

DID YOU KNOW? Habitat for Humanity builds a house somewhere in the world every 19 minutes and has a brand value of $3.2 billion.

DID YOU KNOW? In addition to making a difference locally, Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver tithes 10% of undesignated cash donations to Habitat Canada to be used for building homes in developing countries.

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Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver | ANNUAL REPORT 2008

PHASE 4 SPONSORS AND GIFT IN KIND DONORS Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang LLP

Kitchen Craft Cabinetry

Ames Tile & Stone

Leviton Canada

Armtec

Mainland Sand & Gravel Ltd.

B. A. Robinson Co. Ltd.

Maple Leaf Disposal Ltd.

BC Hydro

Masco Corporation

BC Plumbing Supplies

McCarthy TĂŠtrault LLP

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

McGregor & Thompson Hardware Ltd.

Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating

Lafarge Canada Inc.

New Life Community Church

CGC Inc.

Osram Sylvania

Chambers Electrical Corp.

Owens Corning

Cobra Interiors Ltd.

PMI Canada

Columbia Bitulithic Ltd.

RBC Foundation

Dayton Manufacturing Co Ltd.

RJP Contracting Ltd.

The Dow Chemical Company Eaton Corporation

Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia

EA Black Box

Schneider Electric Canada

First Canadian Title

Simpson Strong-Tie

GSW Water Heating

SnapStone Inc.

Hunter Douglas Canada

Standard Building Supplies

ICI Paints/CIL Paints

Starline Windows

IPEX Inc.

Styletto

James Hardie

Whirlpool Canada

Jordans

Wolseley Canada

Keystone Environmental

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver

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HABITAT’S REVENUES $2,500,000

Sale of Constructed Properties Interest

$2,000,000

ReStore Revenues 23%

7%

$1,500,000

Contributions, Grants and Donations

2% 57%

$1,000,000

44%

$500,000 30%

36%

0 2008

2007

HABITAT’S EXPENDITURES $2,000,000

Cost of Constructed Properties Sold ReStore Operations

$1,500,000

42%

Administration (Administration costs include programming costs)

$1,000,000 63%

$500,000

Other Expenses

36%

5%

3%

32%

18%

0 2008

2007

HABITAT’S ASSETS $3,000,000

Mortgages Receivable Equipment

$2,500,000

Property under Construction Cash and Short Term Assets 34%

$2,000,000

2%

42%

$1,500,000 3%

$1,000,000

56% 48%

$500,000 8%

0 2008

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Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver | ANNUAL REPORT 2008

7%

2007

FINANCIAL SUMMARY:

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS ($) Contributions, Grants and Donations Proceeds Fund Raising Expenses

2008

2007

$ 625,725 (27,868)

$ 584,756 (37,817)

597,857

546,939

$ 988,890 (751,167)

$ 849,094 (679,349)

237,723

169,745

– – (6,457)

$ 451,984 (789,812) (4,990)

(6,457)

(337,828)

$ (376,734) (30,819)

$ (333,389) (16,741)

(407,553)

(350,140)

Net Contributions, Grants and Donations Restore Operations Restore Revenues Restore Operating Expenses Net Restore Operations Constructed Properties (Note 1) Sale Proceeds (Note 2) Cost of Constructed Properties Mortgage Interest (Note 3)

$

Net Proceeds from Constructed Properties General and Administration Expenses Administration Depreciation Total General and Administrative Expenses Interest Revenues

$ 122,612

$

39,312

Excess of Revenues over Expenditures

$ 544,182

$

68,038

Note (1) In 2008, four units were under construction and anticipated to be sold in 2009 Note (2) Sale proceeds from property have been discounted by an inputed rate of 4.5% Note (3) Mortgage interest relates to mortgage assumed for the purchase of land

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 | Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver

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PO Box 60577 Vancouver, BC V6H 4B9 Phone: 604-681-5618 Fax: 604-326-0122 info@vancouverhabitat.bc.ca www.vancouverhabitat.bc.ca

VANCOUVER RESTORE 69 West 69th Avenue Vancouver, BC V5X 2W6 Phone: 604-326-3055

BURNABY RESTORE 2475 Douglas Road Burnaby, BC V5C 5A9 Phone: 604-293-1898 info@vancouverrestores.ca www.vancouverrestores.ca