Media Advisory - Habitat for Humanity Toronto to announce 25-year affordable housing impact report on UN-designated World Habitat Day

TORONTO, Sept. 28, 2012 /CNW/ - In recognition of World Habitat Day 2012, Habitat for Humanity Toronto (www.torontohabitat.ca) will hold a press conference on Monday October 1^st at 9:00 am at Queen's Park to release their "Building a Better City: The Social Impact of Habitat for Humanity Homes in Toronto" report. Neil Hetherington, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Toronto along with Gillian Bartlett of Bartlett Cultural Connections and Charles Gagnon of BPG Analytics with present the ground-breaking report,

In the spring of 2011, Habitat for Humanity Toronto homeowners were interviewed and asked how their lives have changed since purchasing and moving into their homes. Here is a snapshot of what the report revealed:

• Homeownership opens doors for low-income youth: 76% of homeowners report an improvement in children's school grades; 88% report greater confidence, and 81% report improvement in their social lives.
• Homeownership strengthens communities: 97% of families feel pride in their new homes, 72% of families reported an increase in neighbourly ties, and 98% report an increased commitment to "reduce, reuse, and recycle."

Mayor Rob Ford has proclaimed October 1 as World Habitat Day in the City of Toronto and Councillor Ana Bailão, chair of the City of Toronto's affordable housing committee, will present the Mayoral Proclamation to Habitat for Humanity Toronto at the press conference.

World Habitat Day 2012 will also mark Habitat Toronto's Ritchie Dedication Ceremony, during which Lorena Sinato and her son Bryan will be presented with keys to their new home at 96 Ritchie Avenue at 5:00 pm. Located in Toronto's west-end, the three-bedroom, fully-accessible home will provide the space Lorena needs to care for 9-year-old Bryan, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy and is legally blind. "I am going to be able to give Bryan a real home with all the space he deserves."

What:	Habitat for Humanity Toronto World Habitat Day Press Conference
Where:	Media Studio Queen's Park, Room 148
	(Journalists who are not members of the Queen's Park Press Gallery are asked to report to Room 387A of the Legislative Building for passes, or call Gerald Christopher at 416-325-7922)
When:	Monday, October 1, 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Who:	Ana Bailao, City Councillor and Chair of the Affordable Housing Committee, Ward 18
	Neil Hetherington, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Toronto
	Gillian Bartlett, BA, MEd, PhD, Bartlett Cultural Connections
	Charles Gagnon, Principal, BPG Analytics
What:	Ritchie Dedication Ceremony
Where:	96 Ritchie Ave. (Dundas St. West & Bloor St. West)
When:	Monday, October 1, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Who:	Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo, MPP for Parkdale-High Park
	Gord Perks, City Councillor, Ward 14, Parkdale-High Park
	Peggy Nash, Member of Parliament for Parkdale-High Park
	Sinato family and dozens of volunteers and supporters.

***Media are invited to attend and interviews will be available***
Go to www.torontohabitat.ca/2012report to view the full "Building a Better City" report
Please visit www.torontohabitat.ca for more information on Habitat for Humanity Toronto.

SOURCE: Habitat for Humanity Toronto

For more information or media requests, please contact: 
Joanna M. Dwyer, Marketing & Stakeholder Relations Associate
Habitat for Humanity Toronto
T: 416-755-7353 ext. 259 C: 416-708-6481 E: [email protected]

Neil Hetherington, CEO
Habitat for Humanity Toronto
T: 416-755-7353 ext.223 C: 416-436-4190 E: [email protected]