We Are Making Our Home Applications More Accessible

Update March 27*** CTV shared a news story focusing on the need for more transit and affordable housing for immigrants. Here's a portion of that article.

OTTAWA — The federal emphasis on integrating immigrants through language training and recognition of foreign credentials is far too narrow, says a new paper.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is proposing a new strategy for integration that would broaden the focus to include affordable housing and public transit.

"Federal and provincial settlement programs have not caught up with changing immigrant settlement patterns, including a growing shift to suburban communities," the report says.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney is in the midst of public consultations on how to best reshape the intake of immigrants, so that the country attracts the kind of people it needs to sustain its workforce. more...
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Recently, we paired with Immigrant Services - Guelph Wellington (IS-GW) to provide information on our affordable home building program to new Canadians and clients of IS-GW. We participated in two IS-GW workshops (Homeownership & Coffee Talk - Immigrant Women's Group) to help disseminate information about our programs. This initiative is funded by a grant received by Habitat Canada as part of the Habitat for Humanity 360 Built Smart Partnership. With this grant, we will look to expand our family outreach to be more accessible to those new to Canada.

The 360 Built Smart Partnership is focused on developing initiatives that eliminates the housing crisis in Canada. This funding will help increase applications from new Canadian families as well as have documents translated by the Translation and Interpretation Program Services (TIPS) into Chinese, Hindi, Vietnamese, Punjabi, and Spanish, the five most common immigrant languages in Guelph and Wellington County. Finally, other funding will be allocated to hiring interpreters to help support new Canadian applicant families.
I caught up to Diane (our Executive Director) to get her thoughts on these workshops

“Affordable housing and language barriers are first concerns for many of these families that immigrate to Canada. To make information available to these families on the housing programs in their native language is the optimal way of opening the door to affordable home ownership”.

*Here are some facts:

According to the Canadian Council on Social Development in 1995, on average 30% of immigrant populations living in cities lived below the poverty line. ISGW has been providing assistance programs since 1978 to “serve new Canadians and build community by providing responsive and diverse settlement services and programs.” Hosting an information workshop on affordable housing is important because those spending more than 30% of their income on housing are considered "at risk". These workshops will help to reduce the challenges newcomers to Canada face as they seek to attain and retain decent affordable housing. Ultimately, the social impact will have these families transition from merely surviving to that of thriving; they will reduce their reliance on social services and healthcare.

Habitat for Humanity Wellington County encourages all of those interested in gaining insight and knowledge into our Habitat for Humanity home building program to pick up information located at our office at 104 Dawson Rd. (Corner of Speedvale & Dawson) or at Immigrant Services (926 Paisley Rd. Unit 4 & 5).

We'd like to thank the Title Sponsors of the Habitat for Humanity Canada 360 Built Smart Partnership for their continued support.

A Scrumptous Solution to Affordable Housing

On Tuesday, March 6th, HFHWC will be teaming up with The Works Gourmet Burger Bistro to put the power of affordable housing in your hands. How so? All you need to do is order one of The Works SEVENTY selections of succulent burgers and non-upgradeable side. You'll receive that burger and side for free and instead you'll be asked to make a donation to HFHWC. Here is more info... Straight from the horses mouth

The WORKS Gourmet Burger Bistro- the award-winning gourmet burger bistro, originating in Ottawa in 2001 – is celebrating its 10 year anniversary on March 6th by offering free gourmet burgers to guests of all locations, between 11am-2pm for lunch or 5pm-8pm for dinner. In true WORKS fashion, each neighborhood bistro has selected a local charity in their community and will be collecting monetary donations while serving up complimentary gourmet burgers. Every restaurant will offer a full menu selection, allowing guests to indulge in one of its 70 renowned gourmet burger options. Customers may visit any one of the 10 WORKS locations on March 6th (March 20th for the London location) to indulge in a complimentary gourmet burger while supporting the local community. The popular gourmet burger bistro currently has new locations under construction in Toronto, Waterloo and Peterborough with an additional eight planned for 2012 and recently announced plans to open 50 new stores across Canada.

 

HFHWC still needs you to help finish this home!

Update* The HFHWC Volunteer Appreciation Pancake Breakfast is rapidly approaching and we hope you can make it! Our volunteers are so important to helping us build homes in our communities. Here is a small way to say thanks! RSVP on the event Facebook page or with Annie Devitt.

In today's world, it can be rather hard to find the time to volunteer or to even think about volunteering. Nevertheless, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Wellington County comes with many rewarding benefits for you, your family and your community. By volunteering you have the opportunity to build new relationships, reach out to the community, gain new skills and possibly advance in your career. On top of all that, volunteering can help to preserve your mental and physical health.

The following are some of the many great benefits that should come to mind when considering volunteering with HFHWC.



Volunteering connects you to your community

One of the most rewarding benefits of volunteering is the impact you are making on the community. Volunteering is the glue that keeps the community together. It allows you to help your community grow, while improving it and making it a better place. Not only does volunteering impact your community, but it also can impact you and your family just as much as the cause you are helping.  

Volunteering helps to build new relationships

Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you to increase your social skills, widen your network and help you to gain new friends. By committing to a shared activity, you are opening yourself up to people with similar interests that can help you to practice and increase your social skills.

Volunteering is good for your mind and body

Volunteering can preserve your health and enhance your self-confidence, self-esteem and all together life satisfaction. You are giving you time to others and your community, which can give you a strong sense of accomplishment. Taking on the role of a volunteer comes with a sense of importance and identity. Having a positive view about yourself helps to give you a more positive outlook on your life and future goals.  Volunteering has been proven to lessen symptoms of chronic pain and heart disease. It’s an easy way to maintain an active lifestyle and increase your energy level.

Volunteer can Advance your career and help you to gain new skills

Volunteering can give you experience in your area of interest, as well as open doors for a new career by meeting people in the field. Volunteering allows you to learn news skills and practice the important skills needed in the workplace. Learn about teamwork, communication, problem solving, project management, multi-tasking and organization. You will be able to feel more comfortable transferring these skills into your own workplace once you have perfected them in a volunteer position.

Remember volunteering can be an exciting and simple way to discover new interests. Volunteering allows you to step outside of your usual everyday routine and add some extra excitement to your life. Who knows what kind of great hobby HFHWC has in store for you! 

Click here to register as a volunteer for HFHWC. Learn more about volunteer opportunities with Habitat for Humanity Wellington County visit our website

Volunteering w/Habitat builds camaraderie

ReStore-ing Our Environment & Our Communities

Did you know that typically 8,000 lbs of waste is put into a landfill during the construction and remodeling of 2,000 square foot home? Habitat for Humanity ReStores are doing their part to divert waste from the landfill by taking used building materials, furniture and other household items and offering them for resale at a fraction of the price. Restores accept donations of various household items including: 

Landfill

§  Windows and Doors

§  Paint

§  Hardware

§  Lumber

§  Tools

§  Lighting fixtures

§  Appliances

Since 1998 Canadian Habitat for Humanity ReStores have diverted over 113,000 tonnes of waste from landfills and in 2010 alone 21,000 tonnes of waste were diverted. Equally important, is the fact that in 2010, Canadian Restores recycled 2.1 million pounds of metal.

In Guelph, the Master Plan identifies a waste diversion target of 65% by 2016, and with the help of places such as the ReStore, individuals can continue to help to reduce the waste being sent to our landfill by donating items of value that might otherwise be thrown out.

In addition, the Wellington County Restore is now taking e-waste and recycle it in environmentally favourable way, further diverting waste from the landfill. E-waste or electronic waste now makes up 5% of all municipal solid waste worldwide, with 20-50 million tons generated every year. Items are being collected by ReStore to be recycled properly include:

§  Cellphones

§  Computers

§  Laptops

§  Televisions

§  Stereos

§  Printers

§  Fax machines and much more!

Purchasing at the ReStore:

§  Lets you help the environment by diverting thousands of tons of usable materials and goods away from landfills and

§  Allows Habitat for Humanity Wellington County purchase more building materials for the homes we build!

You can  sign up to our e-blasts and learn all about exclusive sales, promotions and everything Habitat Guelph ReStore!

Women Build is Back and Recruiting YOU

We’d rather build it than clean it! That's certainly what the Women Build of 2011 accomplished! From June 2011 to October 2011, over 140 volunteers contributed to the Women Build 2011 Project at 439 York Rd. in Guelph. Combined they contributed a whopping 3000 hours of volunteering and 87% of the house was completed by Women!

Women Build 2011

2012 is here and the Women Build is back. We are kicking off the year in style!

January 13th and February 24th, Women Build is inviting you to join them at the Sleeman Centre to help cheer on the Guelph Storm. Tickets for the event can be purchased on the HFHWC website for $15. There will be a 50/50 draw to help support Woomen Build, so wear your PINK and come out and rally your Guelph Storm!

Also, as Women Build will be hosting a Wine & Cheese Recruitment evening at Cutten Fields (190 College Ave. E) on January 19th from 7-9. Women Build Committee members are welcoming individuals interested in joining a Women Build committee out to enjoy some wine and cheese and hear about the wonderful experiences of the 2011 project. If you've thought about joining the powerful movement that's sweeping the city, now is the perfect chance!

Typically women only represent 1/3 of the volunteers on Habitat for Humanity build sites, so the Women Build aims to  promotes women as leaders and provides an opportunity for women to learn new trades or skills, under the direction of both men and women skilled tradespersons. Women Build is not about excluding men, but including more women in the building process.

“It’s about spirit, empowerment, solidarity, fun, learning and pride in working with a family to build a place they can call home.”

Habitat is Back in Centre Wellington

YOU’RE INVITED!!

Habitat for Humanity Wellington County is holding a Build Launch event on January 14^th 2012 at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex in Fergus from 12 to 2. The Centre Wellington Build Committee is holding this launch event in support of the construction of a semi-detached house at 124 Forfar Street in Fergus, which will be built this spring and summer! It will be the first build project in Centre Wellington since 2003.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come on out and find out more about Habitat for Humanity Wellington County. There will be opportunities to:

§  Learn about the Habitat for Humanity organization

§  Be introduced to the project committee and Habitat for Humanity Wellington County staff

§  Apply to volunteer and become a Habitat Partner Family

§  Support fundraising events

§  Buy-A-Brick Fundraising and Donating

§  Adopt-A-Day Corporate Fundraising 

“We are thrilled to be building in Fergus again, for there are a lot of residents of this town that are deserving of the sustainability and structure homeownership can provide them,” said Diane Nelson, Executive Director of HFHWC.

 Currently, there are 2,965 Social Housing Units in Wellington County.  As of December 2007, 1370 applicants were on the waiting list.

§  Average wait times in 2008 for 1 bedroom (through social housing) in Wellington County was 3 to 5 years

§  2 and 3 bedrooms hovering around a 2 year wait time

 Affordable Housing can lead to improved health, education and economic opportunities for families at risk. It also lessens the financial burden on society in the areas of social services, justice and healthcare. 

 “Our government is committed to helping people who live on lower or fixed incomes stay in their home communities,” said MPP Sandals.

• With 1.7 million Canadian families living without adequate housing
• Over half a million Canadians paying more than 50% of their household income on shelter and food
• Just under 5 million Canadians (15.9%) having incomes below the Low-Income Cut-Off

2010 House on Bagot St.

Habitat for Humanity Wellington County is doing their part to help two very deserving families become homeowners.  

“Habitat for Humanity provided me a hand up by giving me the ability to lend my hand out to others,” said Melanie Fegan, Habitat Partner Family of the Elora home. 

In order to make the dream of a home a reality for a Centre Wellington family, we need you! So please visit us at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex from 12 to 2 on January 14, 2012 and find out more about volunteering, becoming a Partner family and sponsoring the build!

Affordable Housing Remains A Pressing Issue In Canada

Even 13 years after homelessness was considered a national disaster homelessness and affordable housing are still ever-present issues for millions of people across Canada. This November 22^nd is National Housing Day, a day to promote and create discussion surrounding Affordable Housing.

"There is an urgent need in Canada and around the world for affordable housing.  Habitat for Humanity Canada's goal is to increase the number of affordable homes we build, but we cannot solve the housing crisis alone," said Stewart Hardacre, President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity Canada.

Habitat for Humanity Canada is launching their National Leadership Council and a National Platform on Affordable Housing, where they are encouraging fellow Canadians to sign their names. The platform can be found at http://www.habitat.ca/affordable-housing-platform-c2164.php and for every signature MCAP Service Corporation will be making a $5 donation to Habitat for Humanity. Also, The Weather Network has dedicated their homepage to reflect Habitat for Humanity Canada’s efforts in promoting their affordable housing platform. This platform will help to demonstrate awareness and support for affordable housing.  

Women Build Provided the Greatest Gift of All This Holiday Season

The evening of Tuesday, November 15th, 2011 was unseasonably warm and very pleasant. There was crispness in the air that provided the perfect weather for a very special event, the most special event that
Habitat for Humanity Wellington County will hold in their calendar year.

For this night was the culmination of months of hard-work, friendship building and unwavering commitments. The Women Build of HFHWC could triumph over their extraordinary contributions to the construction of the Women Build project house at 439 York Rd.

My favourite photo from the Project

Although the Women Build volunteers reflected on shared moments, herculean efforts and companionship, the primary reason over fifty Women Build contributors filled the newly constructed home was to see Kiran officially become it's rightful homeowner!

MPP Liz Sandals speaks in rather tight quarters at House Dedication

The House Dedication is an honoured ceremony for Habitat for Humanity because it evokes a sense of joy shared by staff, volunteers and sponsors. More importantly, the Dedication presents the Habitat Partner Family the keys to their much deserved home and signifies a better life ahead to all the habitants of a house built from love.

On this night, Kiran and her two daughters not only became homeowners but they also became neighbours and part of a community they so richly longed for. The Women Build Site Supervisor, Sharon Lewis, presented Kiran the keys and so closed the book on a journey filled with commitment, laughter, friendship and dedication.

As both Kiran and Women Build Volunteers would attest to, Sharon Lewis is an exceptional woman that did an exceptional job. Without her leadership and dedication, the house wouldn't look nearly as great as it does. Day in and day out, she provided leadership and friendship as well.

Can you believe this house was primarily built by volunteers?

To all Women Build contributors; although many of you may think your donation or contribution is relatively small, our organization holds it to the highest regard and your ability to show your commitment to our mission allows us to keep fighting the good fight. So, if you donated a lunch or "Adopted a day" or sponsored a Women Build event or donated your professional skills, thank you.

To our Women Build committees; your guidance and perseverance were the bonding screws (see what I did there?) that led this project to completion. What often seems like "behind the curtain" work is cherished by all of Habitat for Humanity Wellington County.

Finally, to the Women Builders that knew no limits, knew no extremes and backed down from no challenges, we suggest you drive by 439 York Rd from time to time, smile and reflect that over 140 of you contributed nearly 3000 hours and constructed a fabulous home that was built by 87% women. Never forget, that together, your strength, can move mountains.

Yes, that's right, primarily volunteers!

Happy holidays to the extraordianary women of Women Build and remember this holiday season, you helped give the greatest gift of all, a home.

See you in 2012!

P.S. Of course I wasn't going to forget Maddie. She was a tremendous asset throughout the summer and her photos will live forever within our organization.

A Maddie Lee original

P.P.S Here are some inspirational words from a fellow Women Builder, Marlene MacNevin

I just want to thank Habitat for Humanity for having a Woman build. I met some very courageous woman, many who challenged themselves every time they came to build. We all learned skills, realized our potential, learned things about ourselves & about each other. EVERYONE was supportive, encouraging, patient & we were lucky enough to have the best site supervisor you could have hired.  It was an honour to build with the owner & to meet such a humble sweet woman. I remember one of the first times I was building on a Saturday, Kiran  kept going over to everyone to see if they were "okay", and thanking us at every opportunity.  She was so appreciative and often had this worried look on her face, as she was wondering if she was doing her task correctly. Thanks to Sharon we have all learned that almost anything can be fixed. This was a fabulous opportunity & I hope to be involved again soon.  In the meantime I will enjoy my involvement on the family selection committee.  I  want to thank you for being there as well, and encouraging us on.

I hope to see you soon............................you are not going to get rid of me so fast.”

Importance of Homeownership in Our Community

  

"We shape our dwellings, and afterwards our dwellings shape us" Winston Churchill.

 Homeownership helps shape who we are or want to be, it gives us the freedom for creativity and expression, all while providing safety and security for us and our families. It’s a place to come home to and where friends and family can find you. Homeownership gives individuals a stake in the community, creating ties and building neighbourhoods, which is why finding a home is important to us all.

You can help make homeownership a reality in our community. During this holiday season, think of those that don't have a home to decorate. Give today and give the gift of a home!

According to The National Summit on Affordable Homeownership, a project started by Habitat for Humanity Canada, homeownership, especially affordable homeownership is an important aspect in every community.