TORONTO, March 22, 2016 /CNW/ - In reaction to the federal budget tabled in Ottawa, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada Mark Rodgers has issued this statement:
"We are encouraged to see that some of the federal government's focus has turned to affordable housing, with increased investment in this year's budget.
Habitat for Humanity Canada is delighted to see that Ottawa will use this funding to set the stage for a national housing strategy, which we hope will specifically address Canada's housing needs through a mix of solutions, including affordable homeownership. It would be a missed opportunity to focus on only one type of affordable housing alternative.
We applaud the federal government in following through with the election campaign commitment to strike a commission to work with all levels of government and affordable housing advocates to inform its action plan. As the voice of affordable homeownership in the country, we urge the federal government to put Habitat for Humanity Canada at the table. It will benefit all those in need of affordable housing.
Helping families achieve affordable homeownership frees up spaces for those on waiting lists for social housing. This means those using shelters who are in need of social housing will benefit, as will the municipalities that fund those spaces.
As Habitat for Humanity Canada and our 56 affiliates work towards our goals of providing more families with homes this year, we believe that we can achieve even greater success and help a greater number of Canadian families when a strong partnership with the federal government is in place.
With Ottawa's help, we believe more Canadian families will have safe, decent and affordable places to live."
About Habitat for Humanity Canada
Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, non-profit organization working towards a world where everyone has a decent and affordable place to call home. With the help of over 63,000 volunteers every year and 56 affiliate organizations from coast to coast, our mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to break the cycle of poverty in Canada and around the world. For more information, please visit www.habitat.ca.
SOURCE Habitat for Humanity Canada
Katie Franzios, Senior Manager, Communications, Habitat for Humanity Canada, 416-644-0988, 1-800-667-5137 x302; [email protected]
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