News Release
December 4, 2024
Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador holds Key Ceremony for new build project in St. John’s, NL
St. John’s NL – Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to announce our Key Ceremony held today for three families. The completion of our brand-new tri-plex on Eric Street was years in the making but with the combined efforts of volunteers, staff, corporate sponsors and the local community, we built it together!
“Today is a time for celebration for our families and our community. The need for affordable and sustainable housing has never been greater as families are struggling more than ever. Working together with our community partners, we help lower income working families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. We are pleased to finish our new build project that now will be home for three families along with our funders in collaboration with the City of St. John’s,” says Sandra Whiffen, CEO.
Since 2019, the Government of Canada has made a total funding commitment of $195,000 through the Affordable Housing Fund under the National Housing Strategy towards Habitat Newfoundland and Labrador projects, including these homes. This funding commitment includes a Black Families Funding investment of $83,000. Newfoundland and Labrador Housing matched the Federal commitment for these three homes.
“Organizations like Habitat for Humanity are invaluable partners as we work to end the housing crisis and ensure that all Canadians have a safe and affordable place to call their own,” said Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities. “As we open the doors to these homes, I wish these families all the very best as they start this new chapter in their lives.”
In March of 2023, the Government of Canada and Habitat for Humanity Canada announced an additional $25 million investment to build 500 new affordable homes across Canada over the next three years. This brings the total federal investment in Habitat for Humanity to $80.8 million through the Government of Canada’s Affordable Housing Fund.
Sofia Ouslis
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Sofia.Ouslis@infc.gc.ca
“Habitat for Humanity is an important partner in our government’s efforts to expand access to affordable home ownership for families in Newfoundland and Labrador, and we join them in celebrating the completion of three new homes on Eric Street. Well-being starts at home, and we are pleased to support these families in securing affordable homes within their community.”
– Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing
“This project is a shining example of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision of providing affordable, sustainable housing for our community. The City of St. John’s is proud to support Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador in their efforts to make affordable homeownership accessible to families, building a greater sense of independence and security. Congratulations to the new homeowners, and sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to making this dream a reality.”
– Mayor Danny Breen
The members of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) are proud to support this multi-unit home build project in St. John’s, Newfoundland. This life-changing initiative will provide these three deserving families with the keys to their new homes, offering them a foundation for a brighter future. 2024 marks a milestone year for CIPH as it celebrates 30 years of partnership with Habitat for Humanity Canada. The success of this longstanding partnership is driven by the incredible generosity of CIPH’s 270+ member companies across Canada. Their contributions of cash and product donations has been pivotal in bringing this initiative to life and supporting families in need of safe, affordable housing. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Sam Strange (Wolseley Canada), CIPH NL Region President, and the local CIPH Region Board for their leadership and dedication to this project.
About Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador
Habitat for Humanity NL is a registered charitable organization dedicated to helping families across our province build better lives through affordable homeownership. Habitat for Humanity NL builds homes in partnership with qualifying lower income, working families.
Habitat for Humanity NL has been active since 1994 and has since built over 65 homes in Newfoundland and Labrador with the help of dedicated donors and volunteers. For more information, please visit www.habitatnl.ca
Media contact
Sandra Whiffen
CEO
Habitat for Humanity Newfoundland and Labrador
swhiffen@habitatnl.ca
Office: 709 753-5743 ext 2
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