Building Strength, Stability and Self-Reliance for Local Families: Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa Celebrates Completion of Phase II of Jeanne d'Arc 16-home development
MEDIA ARE WELCOME TO JOIN TODAY AT 2PM – INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE
When: Thursday, April 25th, 2019 from 2-3pm.
Where: 6208 Jeanne d'Arc Blvd., Orleans, corner of Jeanne d'Arc and Fortune. Onsite parking is extremely limited so if media crew require special access please advise as soon as possible.
OTTAWA, April 25, 2019 /CNW/ - Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa is thrilled to celebrate the completion of three townhomes in Orleans at today's Key Ceremony. The dedication of these homes closes off Phase II of Leacross Landing, a 16-unit townhome development in the city's East end.
"Not only are we celebrating our 25th Anniversary, we are celebrating another milestone by doubling our construction capacity," says Marc Caron, Interim CEO, Habitat Greater Ottawa. "in 2019 we'll be constructing the final nine homes in this development. We are well aware that there is a shortage of affordable homeownership options in Ottawa and we are proud to be able to grow to meet the need. We believe that everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home."
"Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home so they can do everything from raising healthy and active kids, to pursue an education, find good jobs and explore new opportunities. By building, renewing and repairing housing in Canada, we're not just investing in our communities - we're investing in people. We will continue to keep working hard with Habitat for Humanity to make sure Canadians have safe and affordable housing that meets their needs." - Hon. Andrew Leslie, P.C., Member of Parliament for Orléans
"The City of Ottawa is proud to support Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa's housing efforts. The completion of these new East-end developments will help numerous families settle into a stable and safe place they can call home. In addition to celebrating this important milestone, I am pleased to wish Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa a happy 25th anniversary. Their work over the years has been instrumental in helping the City of Ottawa to provide access to safe and affordable housing for all our residents," says Jim Watson, Mayor, City of Ottawa
In the words of our new homeowners:
"I am forever grateful to become a Habitat Homeowner. My family is so happy to have a proper home and share our neighborhood with other good, hardworking families. We are proud that our sons will grow up alongside the other children in this development and that they will feel a sense of community and collaboration," says Juan Pablo, Habitat Homeowner. "To be safe in our own home is a feeling that we just can't explain, it's simply incredible."
"I'm so excited that my son will get to grow up in a community of Habitat families, that I can let him go outside and play with all the other kids knowing he is in a safe neighborhood," says Rebecca, Habitat Homeowner. "My dream of sending Jack to university is actually going to become a reality, and I am so thankful. I am so grateful for everyone who supports Habitat – they are making such an impact on people's lives. This is isn't a temporary fix—a Habitat Home is simply life changing."
"We are so excited to move into our beautiful new home. My eldest daughter and I, along with our family and friends, helped build our home and we now have a whole new appreciation for the construction industry, staff and volunteers," says Angela, Habitat Homeowner. "Habitat has allowed us to gain financial stability in a much safer, healthier home and neighbourhood. We are forever grateful to Habitat for this incredible life changing opportunity. Thank you for giving us a very generous 'hand up' towards our amazing future in this fortunate and positive community."
Full family profiles and photos are available at www.habitatgo.ca.
Habitat Greater Ottawa could not build without the support of the community, volunteers and sponsors. Thank you to the Leacross Foundation, City of Ottawa, and Lockheed Martin for their generous sponsorship of this development.
About us:
With the help of volunteers and Habitat homeowners, Habitat for Humanity builds safe, decent and affordable homes, including single-family and multi-unit houses. Habitat has been building homes in Ottawa since 1993, and has served 76 local families over the last 25 years.
Habitat does not give away free homes — the families who partner with us pay an interest-free mortgage geared to their income and volunteer 500 hours with our organization. As Habitat homeowners pay off their mortgage, the funds are reinvested into a revolving fund, which we then use to build more homes for more families in the community. Our model of affordable homeownership bridges a gap for low-income working families by providing them with the opportunity to purchase their own Habitat home and build a better future for their family.
According to a 2013 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) survey, Habitat for Humanity families are happier, healthier, and more financially secure after moving into their Habitat Home. 89% say their family life has improved, 86% report being happier, 70% report improved health and stress, and 65% report a an improvement in their children's confidence. The study found that for every 1$ invested in a Habitat home, 4$ in social benefits are returned to the community.
SOURCE Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa
For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Vanessa Schwarz, Director of Operations and Communications, Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa, 613-749-9950
Share this article