|
As the holiday season approaches, many look forward to spending special time with family and friends.
Unfortunately, this time of year is often one of stress and anxiety for those with incomes below the low-income cut-off.
For this group, it is a time of not wanting to disappoint their children while struggling to make ends meet and cover monthly household expenses – like rent. However, help is available, thanks to the generosity of supporters like you. Your past support is greatly appreciated but we are asking you to please help once again – as the need is still great.
Millions of Canadians struggle to provide the basics for their families.
The hardworking families that you support through Habitat for Humanity are caught in a vicious cycle of making ‘too much' at low-paying jobs to take advantage of assistance programs, such as subsidized housing. But they make ‘too little' to provide all their family needs. Many are forced to make impossible choices – providing shelter or having food, and paying rent or utility bills.
They cannot save to improve their situation, and so they cannot get ahead. Bank account balances are non-existent, as every cent of their income is used to cover living expenses. With rent taking as much as 70% of many families' income, there is no disposable income to rely on should something unexpected arise, such as their children outgrowing winter coats or boots. There is no safety net and putting money away for essentials, such as clothing and school supplies, let alone a mortgage down payment, is considered an impossible dream.
You can help families in need help themselves.
Through your donations, Habitat for Humanity offers help to those families who are working hard but just need an opportunity to improve their situation. We provide a hand up, not a hand out, in the form of a mortgage these families can afford. By replacing rental costs, that take 50 -70% of a family's monthly income, with mortgage payments that are 25-30% of that same income, we offer much-needed financial ‘relief'.
Rather than making impossible choices between rent and other essentials, a portion of a family's monthly income can now be reallocated to groceries, utilities, clothing, school supplies, education, home furnishings, a child's Christmas present, and the list goes on….
Families still have to make monthly mortgage payments and must invest 500 volunteer hours of "sweat equity”. They do this with hands-on involvement in the building of their home, plus other Habitat and community activities.
The benefits extend well beyond one family.
The mortgage payments received from Habitat homes are reinvested to help fund homebuilding for more families. This ‘revolving fund' will exponentially help many more hardworking Canadians already in need. So the more homes we build today and the more people we assist now, the more will benefit in the future.
These families receive a safe, warm place to live and grow. They join a community. That community strengthens society. This positive ripple effect creates real, visible change from which we all benefit.
It's about real people creating real change.
Darlene Howitt knows firsthand the opportunity that your support offers those in need. Full-time worker and single mother of four, she had nothing to spare at the end of each month – not for school field trips, and certainly not enough to save for a down payment on a home for her family.
With your help, Habitat changed all of that. Darlene and her family received a new place to live and so much more. In addition to having a more positive outlook on life, Darlene has regained her independence and confidence. Her kids have a less-stressful and healthier environment in which to grow – at home and in school. And her community has received an amazing volunteer who is giving back what she's been given. Darlene is a very active Habitat volunteer – now well beyond her 500-hour commitment.
Your support helps make more positive experiences possible.
Your previous donation helped Habitat for Humanity provide a hand up, not a hand out, to our partner families. The gift you make today can help continue that cycle of change. A gift as little as $50 can help fund the purchase of land for future builds and pay for the costs of licensed trades people on site. Without your continued support, Habitat cannot plan for more new homes to help more families in need. So please take a moment to donate.
Finally, if you know someone who may also be interested in helping Habitat for Humanity, please pass on the enclosed insert. It saves postage fees, advertising costs and precious time. Plus, it often produces greater results, as it comes from a source they know and trust.
This holiday season, give one of the greatest gifts – that of living in a simple, decent home. Give the gift of independence, confidence and hope.
Sincerely,
Stewart Hardacre
President & Chief Operating Officer
Habitat for Humanity Canada
P.S. Consider becoming a monthly HopeBuilder's donor. Already 1,800 strong, it's our goal to add 200 more members by January, as consistent support allows us to plan ahead, maximize your donation investment, and help even more families in need.
|
