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2025 Year 
in Review

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Good things happen when
homeownership is within reach

Message from our Board
Chair and President & CEO

2025 marked Habitat for Humanity Canada’s 40th anniversary. For four decades, we have worked alongside families and communities to build something far greater than homes. With your support, we’re building stability, opportunity, and the foundation for a brighter future. During that time, two truths have continued to guide us: Canadians believe deeply in the promise of homeownership, and meaningful social and economic progress begins with a safe, stable place to call home.

Our work has always been rooted in the conviction that homeownership transforms lives, and this year, new research provided data behind what families have long told us. When the instability of precarious housing is removed, families experience meaningful improvements to their overall health and well-being. They gain the space and confidence to focus on their careers, support their children’s education, and build stronger connections within their communities. Affordable homeownership doesn’t just open a door — it unlocks opportunities that last.

These benefits ripple well beyond individual households. Each year, the increased productivity of Habitat homeowners adds $35 million to Canada’s GDP, evidence that affordable homeownership fuels not just family success, but a stronger, more vibrant Canada.

As the housing crisis deepens, so does our determination to deliver effective solutions. In 2025, we advanced practical, community-driven priorities — advocating for stronger housing policies, revitalizing neighbourhoods, and helping preserve Canada’s aging housing stock through essential repairs. And with an eye to the future, we supported training opportunities that help build the next generation of skilled tradespeople. As part of Habitat’s global network spanning more than 60 countries, we also contributed to efforts beyond our borders — helping to strengthen housing solutions, disaster resilience and climate adaptation in communities facing urgent need.

In a year marked by trade disruptions and a newly elected federal government, Habitat Canada also played a central role in shaping the national housing conversation. We were pleased to see important policy steps, including removing the GST for first-time buyers on homes under $1 million and Ontario’s commitment to HST relief — measures that help bring homeownership within reach for more families. We also applauded the creation of the federal housing entity Build Canada Homes and continue to stand ready to partner in delivering more safe, affordable homes across the country.

Affordable homeownership lifts incomes, strengthens health and education outcomes, revitalizes communities, and fuels a more resilient economy. Canadians believe in it. Families thrive because of it. And, with your partnership, we are committed to expanding the opportunity to many more households.

Together, we are building a future where everyone has the chance to flourish.

Leland Corbett

Leland
Corbett

Board Chair,
Habitat for Humanity Canada

Pedro Barata

Pedro
Barata

President & CEO,
Habitat for Humanity Canada

Where we work

Map of Canada showing local Habitats

Habitat for Humanity Canada works alongside 44 local Habitats across the country, all committed to our global vision of a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. In 2025, as part of Habitat's global federation, we also directly supported international housing solutions in four countries around the globe.

World Map Placeholder
World Map Placeholder

Our impact

The ripple effect of Habitat homeownership

In 2025, Habitat for Humanity Canada and Deloitte released a study on the social and economic impact of our Affordable Homeownership Program — and the results are impressive.

Owning a Habitat home doesn't just give families a place to live. It creates opportunities that ripple through their lives and communities. Based on a survey of more than 600 Habitat households across the country, we learned that homeowners experience improvements in health, education, employment, community involvement and financial security. And the benefits go beyond individual families — they strengthen Canada's economy too.

Here's a summary of our major findings:

Long-term impact:

In a five-year period from 2019 to 2023, Habitat's work to build and repair homes created an economic footprint of $311 million and generated nearly $40 million in tax revenue.

73%

of families say their physical health is better

79%

of families say their mental health is better

Child on scooter

Income growth:

Families who own a Habitat home saw their incomes grow nearly 30% more than if they had continued renting.

Half of families take part in more community events

More than half of families rate their financial security as better

Family in front of home

Economic contribution:

Every year, Habitat households inject an additional $35 million into Canada's economy as a result of becoming homeowners.

30%

of individuals had more time to earn income

1
 in 
2

families say their children are doing better in school

Family in kitchen

Long-term impact:

In a five-year period from 2019 to 2023, Habitat's work to build and repair homes created an economic footprint of $311 million and generated nearly $40 million in tax revenue.

Child on scooter

Half of families take part in more community events

More than half of families rate their financial security as better

73%

of families say their physical health is better

79%

of families say their mental health is better

Economic contribution:

Every year, Habitat households inject an additional $35 million into Canada's economy as a result of becoming homeowners.

Family in kitchen
Family in front of home

Income growth:

Families who own a Habitat home saw their incomes grow nearly 30% more than if they had continued renting.

30%

of individuals had more time to earn income

1
 in 
2

families say their children are doing better in school

Good things happen when homeownership is within reach

The study’s findings are echoed in the experiences of families across Canada whose lives have been transformed through owning a Habitat home. From improved health and education to better financial stability, their experiences show that affordable homeownership isn’t just about housing; it’s about creating lasting change.

One home, endless possibility

Diana, a single mother in Alberta was juggling four jobs just to keep up with the rent. Despite her relentless work ethic, she found herself stuck in a cycle — with little time for her two school-aged children and even less for her own dreams of pursuing higher education.

After her separation, Diana and her children moved into a cramped apartment. "Everything was in just one small box," she recalls. "There was no space for the kids to play, no room to study. And with rent going up every six months, I found myself always having to pick up extra jobs."

Now, with the stability of homeownership, Diana is pursuing a bachelor of science degree, with hopes of eventually applying to medical school. And the impact extends beyond her: her children, now with their own space to study, play, and build friendships in their new neighbourhood, are thriving in school and dreaming bigger.

Diana and her children sitting on a sofa

“Having a roof over my head, it changes everything. Now everything feels possible. The sky's the limit.”

— Diana

After moving into a Habitat home:

41

of adults pursue additional education

68

of parents say having a quiet place to study has helped their children’s success

After moving into a Habitat home:

41

of adults pursue additional education

68 of parents say having a quiet place to study has helped their children’s success

Health starts with a home

For seven years, Mark and Sharon and their three children lived with extended family in a home that couldn't meet their eight-year-old son Ceron's complex medical needs. Using a wheelchair and relying on specialized equipment to breathe as well as round-the-clock care, Ceron and his family faced daily challenges. They lived in the basement, carrying Ceron up and down steep, narrow stairs daily, while poor ventilation worsened his health.

The family applied for social housing, but the wait-list was years long. Twice, they applied for a traditional mortgage and were turned down. After qualifying for an affordable mortgage through Habitat for Humanity Yukon in 2025, the family moved into their new fully accessible home, with a ramp, wider doorways, and a roll-in shower.

"It changed our lives in ways we can't even fully express.... Everything is within reach and accessible for our son's needs. Here, we're not just surviving, we're living. And that means everything," says Sharon.

Family playing music together

"There's peace here we've never known before. But there's also laughter and music echoing through the hallways. We're finally where we're meant to be."

— Sharon

After moving into a Habitat home:

74
%

of families feel less stressed

74
%

of families say they can better manage any disabilities

After moving into a Habitat home:

74
%

of families feel less stressed

74% of families say they can better manage any disabilities

Two moms, two inspiring journeys

Solo moms Stephanie and Michelle, who are both thriving thanks to the financial security that comes from owning a Habitat home, share their homeownership journeys in their own words.

Stephanie is a full-time working mom, committed to raising her two young daughters on her own. But when her relationship ended, her single income couldn't cover the rising cost of rent, and she found herself out of options. With a years-long wait-list for social housing, Stephanie temporarily moved her family into a shelter. And even after finding a small rental, the stress remained; Stephanie knew the rent would continue to rise each year, eventually pushing it beyond her means.

Two years later, Stephanie qualified for an affordable mortgage through Habitat for Humanity Hamilton and moved into her new home in 2025. With stability under her feet, Stephanie can now plan for the future. She continues to give back as a Habitat ReStore volunteer and housing advocate.

After Michelle's marriage ended, overwhelming financial strain stood in the way of building a new life for her and her six children. Her ex-husband's bankruptcy had left a lasting mark on her credit, putting a traditional mortgage out of reach.

After moving 12 times in 10 years, Michelle qualified for a Habitat home — a turning point for her family. She recently refinanced her home through a traditional mortgage lender and paid off her Habitat mortgage in full, opening the door for Habitat for Humanity New Brunswick to give another family a similar opportunity.

After moving into a Habitat home:

More than half of families say their financial health is better

One-third of families are better able to save money

After moving into a Habitat home:

More than half of families say their financial health is better

One-third of families are better able to save money

"There's something about what homeownership does for your soul ... there is stability, that feeling of home. It's something that can't be underestimated as far as my kids are concerned."

— Michelle, solo mom of six told us in 2025

Giving back with gratitude

When Ceu and Amang became parents, they had one dream: to provide their children with opportunities they never had. The family previously lived in a cramped, one-bedroom apartment in an unsafe neighbourhood, rife with drug use and violence. Ceu worked full-time to support the family but, with daycare costs far beyond their budget, Amang stayed home with their two young boys while continuing her studies.

Since moving into their Habitat home, Ceu and Amang's lives have taken a transformative turn — not just their housing, but in how they see the future. "Now that we're homeowners, we have peace of mind ... we now have more time and energy to give back." Listen as Amang shares how they do just that.

Over half of families take part in more volunteer activities after moving into a Habitat home

In 2025, 9,000 people benefitted from affordable homeownership through an ongoing partnership with Habitat for Humanity in Canada

Among families who partnered with us in 2025, many are from underserved groups:

41%
are women-led, single-parent households
10%
have one member living with a physical or mental disability
13%
moved into homes that are fully accessible
6%
have at least one member who identifies as Indigenous
19%
have at least one member who is a recent immigrant to Canada
30%
have at least one family member who is Black

Habitat ReStore:
Our made-in-Canada 
success story

A proud Canadian legacy supporting families at home and around the world

Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a social enterprise retailer that accepts and resells donations of new and gently used furniture, appliances, décor and building materials, and every purchase helps to fund Habitat's mission.

Best of all, Habitat ReStore is a made-in-Canada innovation. The very first ReStore opened in Winnipeg in 1991, and today it's a key driver of Habitat's impact across the country and around the world. More than 100 Canadian Habitat ReStores support local families, one donation or purchase at a time.

In 2025, we launched Built in Canada — a campaign to celebrate this uniquely Canadian success story. With more than 1,000 Habitat ReStores worldwide, we're proud that an idea born in Canada is helping families around the globe!

Habitat ReStore delivery truck
Habitat ReStore volunteer smiling
By Canadians Buy Canadian graphic
Customer shopping at Habitat ReStore

Speaking of Canadian-born success stories...

Drew and Johnathan Scott, Canadian-born brothers and well-known home improvement experts, know a good find when they see one. And our Habitat ReStores are full of them. Last year, they starred in a Habitat campaign, proudly shining a spotlight on Habitat ReStores.

Shopping at a Habitat ReStore not only helps build affordable homes, it's also an environmentally conscious choice that keeps new, gently used and returned items out of landfills. Donating to or shopping at your local ReStore is a win-win-win-win: for donors, shoppers, families and the planet.

“Together, we’ll build opportunities in our communities. Shop. Donate. Volunteer. That’s Habitat for Humanity.”

– Drew and Johnathan Scott

107

social enterprise ReStores contributed proceeds to local Habitats

Homeownership builds 
brighter futures

Together, we build safety and dignity

Maintaining safe, liveable housing, one repair at a time

A safe, well-maintained home is the foundation of a healthy life — just as a high-quality home can keep us well, a poor-quality home can make us sick. Unfortunately, for many families the cost of essential home repairs is out of reach. In Canadian provinces, 7%* of households are living in housing in need of major repairs. At the same time, labour and material prices for homeowners’ maintenance and repairs has increased by nearly 20%* since 2018.

Our Critical Repairs program helps to maintain safe, livable housing for individuals, families and communities while alleviating the physical threats and mental stress caused by living in poor conditions.

Joann using a ramp

“Now my home is my home, and I can be in it when I want, and I can leave when I want. It's back to the way a home should be.”

— Joann

Joann is a 71-year-old senior who owns her home, but whose limited mobility made it extremely difficult for her to navigate the rickety steps at her entrance. What should have been a place of comfort had become a threat to her safety. For over a year she had been housebound, relying on the goodwill of neighbours and family to do things that she could no longer do herself.

"My home had started to feel like a prison — I couldn't leave it. People had to come in to help me," explains Joann. A ramp would have made all the difference, but Joann simply couldn't afford it.

In 2025, Joann qualified for an accessibility ramp through Habitat for Humanity Nova Scotia’s Critical Repairs program. Now, Joann can get in and out of her house on her own. She can visit her nieces and nephews, and take her little dog Millie for walks. She can be part of her community again — chatting with neighbours and watching their kids walk to school.

*Sources: CMHC and Statistics Canada

Community building and solutions-focused innovation

Local Habitats across the country are deepening partnerships at every level — with municipal, provincial, and federal governments, corporations, and communities — to unlock land, re-energize neighbourhoods, and grow the skilled workforce needed to build more homes. Together, we're turning possibility into progress.

Building homes, revitalizing communities

Twenty-year old Dieu is the eldest of six siblings whose family came to Canada from a refugee camp in Kenya in search of stability. Finding suitable housing proved challenging for the family, and they moved five times over seven years, displaced by renovations and rising rents. Through all this uncertainty, Dieu stayed focused on college and soccer, working towards a future career in physiotherapy.

The search ended when his parents partnered with Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex in Ontario to purchase a safe, affordable home. Earlier this year, they opened the door to a bright five-bedroom house where each child has space to learn, grow and plan ahead.

Free from the constant upheaval of moving, Dieu no longer worries about his commute to college or soccer practice. Now, he has the time and stability to give back, coaching soccer and volunteering at his local Habitat ReStore.

Dieu and his family
Dieu (top right) and his family outside their new Habitat home — a fresh start on a revitalized block.
Dieu and his family
Dieu (top right) and his family outside their new Habitat home — a fresh start on a revitalized block.

But Dieu's story doesn't end with one home. His family's house stands on a rehabilitated lot — one of eight vacant or abandoned properties Habitat Windsor-Essex had acquired from the City of Windsor. By bringing families back to underserved neighbourhoods, builds like this one are helping revitalize communities while keeping housing affordable.

Dieu's journey shows what one home can spark: stability, opportunity, and vibrant communities that start at home.

Investing in the next generation of talent

For Ben, a 17-year-old Ontario high school student with a growing passion for construction, 2025 marked a defining year. What began as a spark in a Grade 9 tech class ignited into hands-on building — and most recently, into a clear and committed career path.

Through Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin's youth skilled trades program — a hands-on construction training program that empowers high school students with real-world trade skills while contributing to meaningful community service — Ben and his classmates took on the challenge of building a Tiny Home.

As a student leader on the project, the experience gave him more than just technical knowledge. It offered him the chance to grow as a mentor while discovering a powerful sense of purpose.

Ben building tiny home
Ben and a Habitat Tiny Home: big smiles, big skills

“For me it’s built confidence and leadership,” says Ben. “I think the best way to learn something is to teach it, so I can refine my skills as a tradesperson.”

By the end of this decade, nearly 700,000 of the 4 million Canadians who work in the trades are set to retire, and Canada's apprenticeship system is struggling to fill the gap.*

As Canada continues to experience a significant labour shortage that is delaying homebuilding, local Habitats are working in collaboration with school boards, colleges and community partners to provide young people like Ben with hands-on technical training and mentorship at Habitat build sites and ReStores. With a focus on career preparedness, our Youth Skills Building program equips young people with valuable life skills while introducing them to the skilled trades and the transformational impact of affordable housing.

*Source: Statistics Canada

In 2025,
611
youth gained real world construction and job skills through Habitat’s Youth Skills Building program, collectively completing 
47,621 
hours of trades skills training  and
24,855
hours of employability training

Good lives start with 
good foundations

Good lives  
start with good foundations

Helping to close the housing gap for Indigenous communities

Systemic inequality and discrimination create barriers to safe, affordable housing for Indigenous Peoples, including limited housing options, a lack of culturally relevant homes, and restricted access to pathways to homeownership. Our Indigenous Housing Partnerships help close the housing gap for Indigenous communities through home construction, home repair and rehabilitation, and skills training.

As a non-Indigenous organization, we recognize that following an Indigenous-led approach is essential. That's why we work closely with Indigenous governments, community leaders, and local partners to ensure our partnerships are shaped by the values and needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.

In 2025, the Indigenous Housing Partnership supported the construction of 16 new homes, rehabilitated 25 homes, and provided 153 repairs for Indigenous families. In addition, 80 Indigenous people benefitted from skills and/or household management training, strengthening their local capacity to build, maintain and sustain long-term housing solutions.

Koree-Lee and her daughter

Koree-Lee and her daughter, welcoming a brighter future on their front porch

“(Habitat for Humanity Yukon’s Affordable Homeownership Program) is an amazing program. I'm so grateful and I can't express how much this has meant to my family.... I can now save for my daughter’s education. Before I was at the mercy of landlords and now there is less stress.”

— new Habitat homeowner Koree-Lee, member of Cowessess First Nation #73 Treaty 4

Creating a sustainable future through better homebuilding

Lower energy costs, greater stability

Regular water shortages, a sinking house with serious structural issues, and skyrocketing electricity bills. Not too long ago, this was everyday life for Erica. She and her two children often went days without running water in their rental home. They couldn't use their bathtub, and even simple tasks like flushing the toilet and doing laundry at the same time weren't possible. In winter, electricity bills reached as high as $900 a month.

Four years after moving into an energy efficient Habitat home in Fredericton, her utility costs have plummeted — she now pays roughly 70% less for electricity during the coldest winter months.

Erica and her children

Erica with her children, thriving together in their Habitat home

“Having those extra finances in my pocket has allowed me to invest in my children,” says Erica. “A safe, affordable home allows me to provide them with the life I’ve always dreamed of.”

At Habitat, we are committed to building more energy-efficient and climate-resilient homes. By prioritizing sustainable and climate-adaptive construction, our homes help families save on energy costs while also reducing emissions and easing pressure on the energy grid.

Habitat for Humanity New Brunswick is one of several local Habitats leading the way. In 2025, their new home builds used 40% less energy than conventional builds. Energy-saving features include high efficiency water heating systems; stronger building envelopes with exterior weather barriers, upgraded wall insulation and moisture managing vapour barriers; and triple glazed, energy efficient windows and doors.

Together, these upgrades go well beyond building code requirements to create healthier, more efficient, and more affordable homes. Families benefit from lower monthly utility bills and improved comfort year-round — making homeownership more sustainable well into the future while reducing environmental impact.

135

people moved into homes with increased energy-efficiency and climate-resilience features

Stronger communities start 
with homeownership

Stronger communities  
start with homeownership

Open hands, open hearts

Habitat volunteers expand our 
impact into communities near and far

Every day, volunteers bring our work to life — on build sites across Canada and around the world, in Habitat for Humanity ReStores and offices, and around boardroom tables where they steward our vision. Volunteers show up with open hands and open hearts, offering their skills, perspectives, energy and creativity. And with every hour they give, they help transform challenges into opportunities and houses into homes. Thanks to volunteers, more families can look to the future with hope, stability and a place to truly call their own.

Volunteers like Sam Lanctin embody that spirit. On a week-long build on Prince Edward Island, Sam discovered a deeply rewarding experience that sparked a lasting commitment. It opened his eyes to the urgent need for safe and affordable housing in his own community. "It's not just an away problem. It's a home problem too," he reflects.

Motivated to do more, Sam joined his local Habitat board, ultimately serving as chair. His dedication continued with Global Village, an international experience where volunteers partner with local communities to build or improve homes. In 2025, he completed his sixth Global Village build — his second in Honduras.

We are profoundly grateful for Sam and other volunteers like him, whose generosity and commitment fuel our daily work and expand our impact into communities near and far. Their service builds more than homes. It transforms lives.

Habitat volunteer Sam Lanctin on build site

Habitat volunteer Sam Lanctin, on a build site in Gracias Lempira, Honduras

15,938
volunteers gave more than half a million hours of their time to Habitat in Canada and around the world

Building impact beyond our borders

A global vision for housing

As a member of Habitat for Humanity International, a global housing organization working in more than 60 countries, Habitat Canada plays a vital role in advancing safe and affordable housing solutions both here at home and around the world. With billions of people living without adequate shelter, we are part of a global movement united by a simple but powerful vision: a world where everyone, everywhere, has a safe, decent and affordable place to live.

In 2025, Habitat organizations worldwide supported more than 3 million people in building or improving a place to call home. Through training and advocacy, an additional 20.8 million people gained the tools, knowledge and confidence to improve their housing conditions and build healthier, more secure lives.

Global housing impact

Creating lasting change with international housing solutions

Creating lasting
change with international housing solutions

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and our Home for Home program — where local Habitats contribute a symbolic amount for every home built or renovated in Canada — we help fund international projects that advance safe, decent, and sustainable housing solutions.

These contributions reach far beyond construction: They provide healthy housing, clean water and sanitation; reduce vulnerability to disasters and climate change; and support economic empowerment, land tenure security, and education and vocational skills training. This holistic approach ensures that the support we provide creates lasting, meaningful change.

In 2025, our impact was felt across continents. In Dedza, Malawi, we partnered with families and children with disabilities to improve their quality of life through safe, adequate housing, access to essential resources, and vocational skills training. These supports empower children and caregivers to live with greater independence in a stable, safe and inclusive community environment.

Community group in Malawi

“This project has brought hope to all the women in the village.... In less than 10 minutes, I have access to clean water. I save time to take care of my household chores and my crops.”

— Philomene

And in rural Côte d'Ivoire, we helped cocoa-farming communities gain access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) — critical for preventing disease and reducing mortality — by building community water points, installing school latrines, and delivering WASH training. These changes have improved women's health and freed them from long walks to fetch water, making time for education and income-generating activities, while enhancing their overall well-being.

Philomene, a cocoa farmer and mother of four, used to wake up at 4 a.m. to walk two kilometres for unsafe water that made her children sick. Today, she has clean water in minutes, giving her more time in the cocoa fields to plant and tend her crops, and bringing renewed hope and better health to her family and village.

5,288
people had an improved place to call home through rehabilitating or building homes and community infrastructure, constructing latrines, installing healthy eco-stoves, and creating access to clean water
3,742
people engaged in training and awareness-raising activities to support climate-resilient construction, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), financial literacy, land tenure and property rights, safe and healthy housing, and disaster and risk management

Driving change for affordable 
homeownership

Our advocacy

Collective advocacy that delivers results for first-time homebuyers

In 2025, Habitat for Humanity Canada championed housing as a national priority — from influencing federal policies that advance homeownership to securing tax relief for first-time buyers and amplifying global calls for housing security.

We began the year by joining fellow advocates in Housing Canada — a coalition dedicated to making housing a key issue during the 2025 federal election. The coalition released a plan to strengthen every part of the housing continuum and safeguard it against external shocks, including a shifting trade dispute that threatened to disrupt our supply chains and workforce stability. Through the coalition’s End the Housing Game campaign, we invited Habitat supporters to join us in pushing governments to invest in housing security for all Canadians.

One of the campaign's priorities came to fruition: a commitment from the federal government to remove the GST for first-time buyers on new homes under $1 million. We also welcomed the Ontario government’s commitment to providing HST relief to new homebuyers. Eliminating the GST/HST burden that Habitat often pays will make more build projects financially viable and help more families achieve their goal of homeownership.

Campaign workers advocating to end the housing game

Championing homeownership on Parliament Hill

Our advocacy continued in the fall when the federal government revealed the creation of its new housing entity, Build Canada Homes. At the Prime Minister’s announcement in Ottawa, we welcomed the focus on affordability and non-market housing solutions and commitment to working with trusted providers like Habitat. We are ready to partner with Build Canada Homes to help even more families create strong, secure futures through affordable homeownership.

On federal budget day in November, Habitat leaders from across the country met with MPs and senior officials in Ottawa to stress that homeownership remains a core aspiration for Canadians, even as it feels increasingly out of reach. We brought a message that without targeted federal support, many families risk losing their opportunity to own a home — a point reinforced by President & CEO Pedro Barata in testimony to the Senate finance committee.

When governments invest in homeownership we all benefit graphic

Advocacy that spans borders

The conversation continued at several events we held to mark National Housing Day. In cities including Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax, we brought together housing industry leaders, community partners, and governments to share practical, innovative ideas for building a path forward. Time and again, we heard that while the housing crisis is complex, we can drive real progress when we work together.

This year, we also amplified our global advocacy by urging G7 leaders to prioritize housing for 1.1 billion people living in informal settlements. Partnering with Habitat International’s network, we called on G7 nations to make housing central to their agenda and champion policies that improve health, safety, and economic opportunity for vulnerable communities.

As Canada prepared to host the 2025 G7 Summit in Alberta, we mobilized supporters nationwide to show leaders that safe, secure housing is essential for global progress, delivering this message to Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs on behalf of people in over 100 countries.

A dense hillside community representing global informal settlements

Meaning of Home

Students show us
why ‘home’ matters

We know that a safe, stable home can make a world of difference in a child's life. That's why Habitat Canada's annual Meaning of Home contest, with title and founding sponsor Sagen™*, invites students in Grades 4, 5 and 6 from across the country to share what home means to them through a short essay or poem. Contest winners direct a grant to a local Habitat for Humanity of their choice — helping more families build the foundation for a brighter future.

In 2025, over 17,500 students participated, raising $356,000 to help families nationwide, while learning what it means to be engaged citizens in their communities.

Meet all of our 2025 grand prize winners and runners up and view their submissions.

*Sagen™ is a trademark owned by Sagen MI Canada Inc.

“Home is like a cozy hug that wraps around me every day. It's not just a house; it's where my heart feels warm and happy.”

— Excerpt from 2025 Grade 6 grand prize
winner Ayaan's poetry submission

Together we’re building 
housing solutions

Partnering with the Government of Canada

Since 2019, the Government of Canada has supported Habitat for Humanity Canada in reaching a goal of building more homes from its Affordable Housing Fund, empowering more families to achieve safe, affordable housing.

This funding commitment also includes dedicated funding for homeownership for Black families who experience Canada’s lowest homeownership rate.

Donor spotlight

Jean-Claude Lessnick, a valued donor since 2021,
sums up the heart of his continued support:

"... the concept of building affordable housing for families appealed to me (and) the pride and dignity that come with homeownership and volunteering made sense. They still do. It's what inspires me to give to Habitat."

25 years of impact with MCAP

In 2025, Habitat Canada celebrated 25 years of partnership with MCAP, Canada’s largest independent mortgage finance company. Since 2000, MCAP has helped families across the country access safe, affordable housing through their generous support and a shared commitment to our vision. Their contributions have supported national programs such as Youth Skills Building and Indigenous housing, while also engaging employees and broker partners through volunteering and fundraising. From employee-led initiatives like golf tournaments and giving campaigns to serving as our 2025 holiday matching sponsor, MCAP continues to inspire Canadians to give and create lasting impact.

Today, MCAP administers more than 1,400 Habitat mortgages, standing alongside families as they build stronger futures through affordable homeownership. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to the future we will continue to build together.

MCAP Build
MCAP 25 Years Banner

25 years of impact with MCAP

In 2025, Habitat Canada celebrated 25 years of partnership with MCAP, Canada’s largest independent mortgage finance company. Since 2000, MCAP has helped families across the country access safe, affordable housing through their generous support and a shared commitment to our vision. Their contributions have supported national programs such as Youth Skills Building and Indigenous housing, while also engaging employees and broker partners through volunteering and fundraising. From employee-led initiatives like golf tournaments and giving campaigns to serving as our 2025 holiday matching sponsor, MCAP continues to inspire Canadians to give and create lasting impact.

Today, MCAP administers more than 1,400 Habitat mortgages, standing alongside families as they build stronger futures through affordable homeownership. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to the future we will continue to build together.

MCAP Build

Recognizing 25 years of support from Sagen

For 25 years, Sagen™ has been an invaluable partner in Habitat for Humanity’s work, contributing more than $6.5 million since 2000 to help thousands of Canadian families achieve their dream of affordable homeownership. While this financial support is vital to our Affordable Homeownership Program, Sagen’s commitment goes far beyond funding — demonstrating true partnership through leadership, engagement and advocacy.

Sagen employees, including President and CEO Stuart Levings and his executive team, have played a key role in launching signature programs such as Sagen Homebuilding Grants, Global Village’s volunteer program in Canada, and the Meaning of Home contest. These initiatives have strengthened Habitat Canada’s ability to raise funds, recruit volunteers, and support more families, creating stronger communities and lasting impact across the country.

MCAP Build
25 Years Banner

Recognizing 25 years of support from Sagen

For 25 years, Sagen™ has been an invaluable partner in Habitat for Humanity’s work, contributing more than $6.5 million since 2000 to help thousands of Canadian families achieve their dream of affordable homeownership. While this financial support is vital to our Affordable Homeownership Program, Sagen’s commitment goes far beyond funding — demonstrating true partnership through leadership, engagement and advocacy.

Sagen employees, including President and CEO Stuart Levings and his executive team, have played a key role in launching signature programs such as Sagen Homebuilding Grants, Global Village’s volunteer program in Canada, and the Meaning of Home contest. These initiatives have strengthened Habitat Canada’s ability to raise funds, recruit volunteers, and support more families, creating stronger communities and lasting impact across the country.

Habitat Build Team

Celebrating TD Ready Commitment's five-year milestone

In 2025, Habitat Canada proudly marked five years of support from TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment, reflecting a shared belief in the power of affordable housing to transform lives and strengthen communities. Over this time, TD has contributed more than $800,000 to fund urgently needed homebuilding projects across Canada.

Alongside financial support, dedicated TD employees volunteer their time to help build energy-efficient, accessible homes for families who face barriers to homeownership, including women-led single-parent households, people with disabilities, Black families, and Indigenous Peoples. Together, we’re creating lasting change for families and communities nationwide.

MCAP Build
TD 5 Years Banner

Celebrating TD Ready Commitment's five-year milestone

In 2025, Habitat Canada proudly marked five years of support from TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment, reflecting a shared belief in the power of affordable housing to transform lives and strengthen communities. Over this time, TD has contributed more than $800,000 to fund urgently needed homebuilding projects across Canada.

Alongside financial support, dedicated TD employees volunteer their time to help build energy-efficient, accessible homes for families who face barriers to homeownership, including women-led single-parent households, people with disabilities, Black families, and Indigenous Peoples. Together, we’re creating lasting change for families and communities nationwide.

TD Build

Thank you

With gratitude to the partners who share our vision

Habitat Canada is proud to partner with organizations that generously share their expertise and resources to help strengthen our work and that of our 44 local Habitats nationwide. These partners champion the importance of affordable homeownership and embrace our vision of a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.

Corporate partners

Legacy:

Scotiabank
Home Depot
Whirlpool

Platinum:

CIPH
RONA
RBC
Tachane Foundation

Gold:

EllisDon
Enercare
Shell
Smiths

Silver:

Anatolia
Aviva
EFC
Henkel
Metrie
4Peak
Petronas
Saint-Gobain

Bronze:

The Allstate Foundation of Canada

BGO

BigSteelBox

Blakes

BLANCO Canada

BMO

CGC

DuPont Canada

Enbridge Gas

Gordon Food Service

The Home Depot Canada Foundation

IKEA Canada

MCAP

Mortgage Professionals Canada

Owens Corning Canada

Sagen™

Schneider Electric Canada

Stantec Consulting Ltd.

TC Energy

TD Ready Commitment

Travelers Canada

Urban Systems Foundation

Williams-Sonoma Inc.

Strategic partners

Bank of America
CMHC
Vancity

Board of Directors

Thank you to our National Board of Directors for the dedication and leadership you provided to Habitat for Humanity Canada in 2025

Leland Corbett, Board Chair

Ken Lancaster, Vice Chair

Kathleen Flynn, Secretary

David Hooper, Treasurer

Riccardo Trecroce, Past Chair

Sidra Anjum, ex officio

Seynabou Ba

Kimberley Cook

Jim Garner

Sharon Kuropatwa

Paul Mason

Craig Meeds

Corinna Mitchell-Beaudin

Mehdi Nezarati

Rachel O’Connor

Brad Peters

Contact us

Address:

Habitat for Humanity Canada

100 Yonge Street, 10th floor,

Suite #1002

Toronto, ON M5C 2W1

Phone: 416-644-0988

Toll-free: (800) 667-5137

Email: habitat@habitat.ca

Charitable Registration Number:

118950120RR0001

Imagine Canada Accredited Seal

Address:

Habitat for Humanity Canada

100 Yonge Street, 10th floor,

Suite #1002

Toronto, ON M5C 2W1

Charitable Registration Number:

118950120RR0001

Phone: 416-644-0988

Toll-free: (800) 667-5137

Email: habitat@habitat.ca

Imagine Canada Accredited Seal