Habitat families to receive keys to their new homes on day designated to affordable homeownership

In commemoration of World Habitat Day, Habitat for Humanity Toronto will dedicate four, fully-accessible homes and host the grand opening of their sixth ReStore

TORONTO, Oct. 4, 2013 /CNW/ - In commemoration of World Habitat Day on Monday, October 7, Habitat for Humanity Toronto (HFHT) will hand the keys to four low-income partner families for their new, fully-accessible homes at 697 Danforth Road. After receiving a World Habitat Day Mayoral Declaration given by the City of Toronto, the charity will also celebrate the opening of their sixth ReStore outlet, the proceeds from which directly fund Habitat's ability to build more affordable homes in Toronto.

"There is no better way to honor this global day of awareness than through the simple act of opening the doors to our new ReStore, and to new Habitat homes for hardworking families," says Ene Underwood, CEO for Habitat for Humanity Toronto. "We are grateful to The City of Toronto, our corporate sponsors and community partners for helping us bring affordable home ownership to ever-increasing numbers of Toronto's low-income families. We all share the understanding of how vital affordable housing is to fostering the social, health and economic well-being of Toronto families."

For Mohammad and Farzana Irshad, overcrowding in their current home has become unbearable and their challenges are only heightened due to their eldest son's special needs. Their son Mohammad is paralyzed and developmentally delayed, and as a result requires adequate space to function. "My son desperately needs his own space," explains Mohammad. Through their partnership with Habitat for Humanity Toronto, their son will soon get it at their new home on Danforth Road.

One of the aims of World Habitat Day is to call on community partners, such as The City of Toronto, to take part in raising awareness and stimulate debate on the issue of affordable housing facing thousands of Toronto families like the Irshads. "With every home that Habitat Toronto builds, they also build the discussion around the importance of affordable housing. It is a pleasure to join with Habitat Toronto in recognizing World Habitat Day, to welcome the partner families to their new home, and to continue to work together as we raise attention to Toronto's affordable housing needs," says Ana Bailão, Chair of the Affordable Housing Committee.

The Dedication will be followed by the Grand Opening of Habitat's new ReStore Scarborough-Center at 1181 Kennedy Road. Habitat Toronto's team of six retail ReStore outlets cover one hundred percent of the charity's administrative and fundraising costs. This self-sustaining financial model helps provide the financial resources for the organization grow, and thus build more homes for families living in need.

Event Schedule

What:	Habitat Dedication & Key Ceremony
When:	Monday, October 7th, 10:00 AM
Where:	697 Danforth Road (at St. Clair Ave. E & Kennedy Rd)
Who:	Ana Bailão, City Councillor and Chair of the Affordable Housing Committee Councillor-Michelle Berardinetti, Ward 35, Scarborough Southwest Sean Gaddon, Director, Affordable Housing Office, City of Toronto Ene Underwood, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Toronto Four Habitat Partner Families, along with volunteers and supporters.
What:	ReStore Grand Opening
When:	Monday, October 7th, 11:30 AM
Where:	1181 Kennedy Road (at Lawrence Ave. E)

About World Habitat Day:
Officially designated by the United Nations in 1985, the purpose of World Habitat Day is to bring global attention to the need for better shelter around the world. On this day, supporters of adequate shelter around the globe, participate in special activities urging community partners and leaders to shift priorities and change the systems, policies, and attitudes that lead to poverty housing.

About Habitat for Humanity Toronto ReStores: 
Toronto ReStores sell new and gently-used donated building and household products to the general public at 50-80% off the original retail price. They accept donations from corporations, small businesses, organizations and individuals. One hundred percent of Habitat for Humanity Toronto's administrative and fundraising costs are paid for by the operation of six Toronto ReStores.

***Media are invited to attend and interviews will be available***

Please visit www.torontohabitat.ca for more information on Habitat for Humanity Toronto

and the Toronto ReStores

 

SOURCE: Habitat for Humanity Toronto

To attend the event or schedule an interview, please contact:
Joanna M. Dwyer
Director, Marketing & Communications
Habitat for Humanity Toronto
Cell: 416-708-6481 Office: 416-755-7353 ext. 259
[email protected]