Habitat & Home Depot: Building Sustainable Houses

“More saving. More doing. That’s the power of Home Depot.” The Home Depot Canada

And the power is certainly helping Habitat for Humanity Wellington County. From December 7^th to the 8^th, Team Depot Guelph was on-site, volunteering at our 28 Huron Street build in Guelph. There were 11 team members all eager and excited to help build homes for two deserving families. 

Team Depot "Representin'"

This year The Home Depot Canada Foundation awarded Habitat for Humanity Wellington County the Sustainable Housing Grant of $10,000! This grant is given to support home building projects that incorporate environmentally responsible building techniques and/or materials.

The Home Depot Canada and Habitat for Humanity have a long-standing relationship built on the shared commitment to ensuring Canadian families in need of adequate housing gain access to safe, decent and affordable homes. The Sustainable Housing Grant Program encompasses both sustainable building and social responsibility for green building. This refers to building using a process that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-cycle: from design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. Some of the techniques and build components Habitat for Humanity Wellington County has incorporated to make this a sustainable build include;

·         Drain water heat recovery

·         Energy Star certified building practices

·         Use of spray foam insulation in walls to reduce energy consumption

·         Use of R50 attic insulation to reduce energy consumption

·         Argon gas windows for optimal thermal performance

·         Energy Star qualified hot water tank – 67 efficiency

·         High efficiency furnace- 95% efficiency EMC motor

·         Effective ventilation – HRV unit 75% efficiency  

In 2011, The Home Depot Canada Foundation again held the Buy a Hammer, Build Our Community campaign. At any The Home Depot locations, customers could purchase a 'paper hammer' for $2, which would help build affordable housing and stronger, more sustainable communities. All of the funds raised supported local community-benefit organizations including Habitat for Humanity.

Home Depot's Sheila Fildes presents a cheque to HFHWC's Diane Nelson

In addition to the Sustainable Building Grant and the Buy a Hammer, Build Our Community campaign, The Home Depot Canada Foundation is a titled sponsor in the Habitat for Humanity 360 Built Smart Partnership. This is a national initiative that drives funding to support all aspects of the need for affordable housing, including sustainable community development.

Sustainable community development is defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Canadian Auditor General Act

The 360 Build Smart Partnership is dealing with sustainable community development by;

·         Enabling families to safe, decent and affordable housing

·         Building to the highest safety standards

·         Building ‘greener’ homes and reducing our environmental impact

·         Creating authentic collaboration and fostering leadership

·         Creating local leaders and stronger connections to the community

·         Reduction of CO2 emissions

·         Promoting the ReStores

As we enter the middle of December, we begin to look toward the New Year and all of the exciting new and continuing projects we have in the works. 2012 will prove to be a very thrilling year as because Habitat for Humanity Wellington County was awarded a $25,000 grant from the 360 Built Smart Partnership and we will use this funding for an exciting project that will allow us to attract more famillies to partner with us in the search for decent housing! STAY TUNED! 

Finally, we want to take a few words to share a heart-felt thank you to all associates at The Home Depot Guelph for their commitment to sell Paper Hammers throughout the month of June and the same dedication they've displayed helping us build two homes and provide a sustainable future for two richly-deserving families. A special thanks to the leader of The Home Depot Guelph associates, Store Manager, Sheila Fildes. It's been a true pleasure to partner with Sheila on many projects throughout the past year and we're thrilled she has an unwavering commitment to Habitat for Humanity.


Team Depot installing the ceiling



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.”

Habitat for Humanity Wellington County's photostream

Habitat for Humanity Wellington County's photostream on Flickr.

It's been an eventful few months for HFHWC and we've documented all the Habitat Happenings with some fantastic photos! Check them out on our Flickr account today!

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.

HFHWC Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Their Greatest Ambassador

HFHWC Executive Director, Diane Nelson speaks to Habitat's partnership with Whirlpool Canada

Habitat for Humanity Wellington County excitingly welcomed Whirlpool Canada back to Guelph on Remembrance Day in celebration of the Home Appliance Brand's centennial anniversary.

Both Whirlpool and HFHWC also welcomed a Habitat Partner Family to 'The Ward' neighbourhood.

Whirlpool Canada is the home sponsor of the 28 Huron St. build project. Their donation of $100,000 helped buoy the current home construction. In fact, this is the third time Whirlpool Canada has funded a HFHWC home construction in Guelph. The other houses are located on Morris and Johnston. Those projects were built in '07 and '09 respectively.

Along with providing a financial donation to Habitat for Humanity projects, the appliance company also gathers a crew of hard-working and dedicated volunteers who accumulate many hours on-site. In 2011, Whirlpool Canada contributed their largest volunteer database to help with the Huron St. construction. 150 volunteers accumulated nearly 1000 hours on-site over a period of six weeks.

Throughout the six weeks on-site, the Whirlpool Canada volunteers shared a wonderful experience learning new skills and working together as a team. They also shared kind words about this experience.

Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity has always been a fun way for me to get out into the community, provide a hard day's work, and learn something new. After my 4th build day I am still enjoying it as much as the first time. I also liked that I was able to contribute in my home town of Guelph this time around. This particular day was the earliest in the building process that I'd been involved where they had just poured the foundation and we were there to help backfill and pack dirt in and around the foundation. Certainly enjoyed the new experience of running the "jumping jack" and the other large packer. Thanks to the Habitat team for the great lunch and count me in for next year!

One of many Whirlpool Volunteer Crews that helped with construction of 28 Huron St.

Despite these wonderful endeavours, their commitment to Habitat for Humanity extends further as they donate a refrigerator, stove and washer/dryer to every single Habitat home built in Canada.

On this Remembrance Day those that gathered at 28 Huron St. held the courageous men and women that fought for our country in the back of their minds and reflected on the communities that these veterans fought to protect. For no such celebrations would be possible without the courageous efforts of our Armed Forces. It is also a day to remember the goodwill to exercise towards our neighbours in need, which became our duty to uphold after 1945.

Thanks to Whirlpool Canada for the outstanding work they perform in carrying out our vision

Finally, to the Armed Forces of Canada that fought for freedom. Thank you.

 LEST WE FORGET

Building a Dream Raised to "New Heights"

The 3^rd annual Habitat for Humanity Wellington County Building a Dream Celebration was held on November 3 at the Delta Guelph Hotel & Conference Centre. The largest Habitat Wellington fundraiser was a pivotal event because of the affiliate’s plan to build a record four homes in 2012. At the conclusion of the night the event committee highlighted on a video screen that $42,700 was raised throughout the evening. This was nearly $10,000 more than what last year’s event raised.

“There are many families in this community that need a hand up and because of the support of this event we will have the capacity to help four deserving families next year,” said Habitat Wellington County Executive Director, Diane Nelson.

The attendees were treated to an evening of great food, entertainment and auctions. The sweet mellow sounds of the Adrian Raso Band pleased the crowd. The evening was highlighted by the delightful MC, ‘Tool Girl’ Mag Ruffman. Right before the final tally was displayed Auctioneer Robert Milburn hosted an eventful live auction that was highlighted by duelling bidders on the “Livin’ Large Outdoors” package. 

About Delta Hotels and Resorts
A leading Canadian hotel management company, Delta Hotels and Resorts operates and franchises a diversified portfolio with 46 full-service, city centre and airport hotels and resorts under the Delta brand. Widely regarded as Canada’s “brand of choice” by guests and owners, Delta also distinguishes itself as an exemplary employer. It is the only hotel company to have been recognized for its sustained focus on business excellence by the prestigious National Quality Institute with three Canada Awards for Excellence, including the award program’s highest honour, the Order of Excellence (2007). The company has also consistently ranked as one of the country’s 50 Best Employers for 12 years, and has been named to the Green 30 since 2010. As well, its national sustainability program, Delta Greens is the most comprehensive and ambitious in the industry touching on every aspect of the hotel business. Its Corporate Social Responsibility platform, Delta Helps, includes a chain-wide commitment to the communities it serves through a national partnership with Habitat for Humanity Canada, participation in the Hotel Association of Canada’s Green Key Eco-Rating program, and work with various other charitable groups.

Delta Hotels and Resorts entered a partnership with Habitat for Humanity in Canada in 2009 and have since raised over a total of $1.5 million for the national charitable organization.  Employees at the Canadian hotel chain participate in construction volunteering at various builds across the country.  Delta also sponsors an entire home build annually including one in Sault Saint Marie and another retrofit in Ottawa where they’ve recently established new hotels.

“The partnership with Habitat for Humanity is an important part of our ongoing commitment to help build a stronger community,” said Delta Guelph Hotel General Manager, Alan Boivin.

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Habitat for Humanity Wellington County is the local affiliate of an international, non-profit organization dedicated to the elimination of poverty housing throughout the world. Using volunteer labour and donations of funds and building materials, we build simple, decent houses and sell them through no-profit, no-interest mortgages to low-income families in need of adequate shelter. Mortgage payments go into a fund that is used to build more homes.

Luke Hancock
Fundraising & Communications Coordinator
Habitat for Humanity Wellington County
fundraising@Habitatwellington.on.ca
W: 519.767.9752 ext. *28
C: 905.973.9562
@HFHWC
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