Habitat for Humanity builds 150 homes for Canada’s birthday

In July 2017, volunteers across the country took part in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. In a single week, they built 150 family homes with Habitat for Humanity to mark Canada's 150th birthday.

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and several Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation employees were in Winnipeg for the event. They joined the Carters and future Habitat homeowners for a whirlwind week building a subdivision of 25 homes in Manitoba’s capital.

“It was a wonderful achievement. Many volunteers donated their time and energy to work side by side with the homeowners to build these houses and the results were remarkable,” said Minister Duclos.

“It was great to see everyone's enthusiasm and to see how many members of the community came out to work on these projects,” said Charlie MacArthur, a senior vice president at CMHC. “We got to work alongside the homeowners, who truly valued all the help.”

The Carters and Habitat for Humanity have worked together since 1984. This year’s July event included builds in 40 communities across Canada, with Jimmy and Rosalynn on site in Edmonton and Winnipeg.

Habitat works with 56 local organizations from coast to coast to coast to help families build stability and independence through affordable homeownership. Their approach is innovative and helps low-income working families break the cycle of poverty.

“Habitat for Humanity doesn't just give people homes,” says Charlie. “The new homeowners have to pay a mortgage and give back to the community. It isn't a handout; it’s truly a hand up.”

All Canadians deserve access to safe, suitable and affordable housing. Thanks to the Carters, Habitat for Humanity Canada, volunteers and donors, 150 more families have a place to call home.

Funding for the pre-development costs of 83 of the 150 units came through CMHC’s Seed Funding Program.