For Sam Lanctin, the decision to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and join his first build on Prince Edward Island wasn’t sparked by a single moment — it reflected a quiet shift in priorities. A week-long build just a few hours from home felt like a low-risk way to test the waters. What he found was a deeply rewarding experience that sparked a lasting commitment.

That first build opened Sam’s eyes not only to the need for safe and affordable housing across Canada, but also within his own community. “It’s not just an away problem. It’s a home problem too,” he reflects. After returning, he joined the board of Habitat for Humanity Moncton, eventually becoming chair and later helping to co-facilitate a merger with other local Habitats in his home province. He stepped down in 2023, but the impact of that work lives on as Habitat for Humanity New Brunswick continues to grow its presence across the province.

For Sam, one build during those years stands out: the construction of a home for a family of ten from Syria, including a child living with special needs. “They had been living in significantly inadequate housing,” Sam recalls. “To be part of giving them a safe, decent place to live was incredibly meaningful.”

But Sam’s impact didn’t stop at home. He’s now preparing for his sixth Global Village build — his second in Honduras — working alongside communities around the world to build or improve homes. He has also volunteered domestically in Iqaluit and internationally in Nepal and Guatemala. “You get the Habitat bug,” he laughs. “It’s a great experience. You meet like-minded people — the local Habitat country offices and families we partner with are great … and it just feels good to contribute.”

In Guatemala, Sam helped build smokeless stoves. In Honduras, he met a seamstress whose Habitat home doubled as her workspace, transforming her life from surviving to thriving. “The comfort of home gave her the confidence and resilience to grow her business and focus on her future.”

Sam sees a clear connection between Habitat’s work in Canada and abroad. “The housing crisis is both local and global,” he says. He’s passionate about the idea that housing is a human right and believes communities have a vital role in shaping their own futures.

For Sam, volunteering is about more than building homes. It’s about building hope. Whether it’s serving on a board, volunteering at a Habitat ReStore, or joining a one-day build, Sam encourages others to get involved. “Try it. See if you like it. You can make a difference.”

And he’s not slowing down anytime soon. With two Global Village builds already approved for 2026 and another in 2027, Sam continues to live out Habitat’s vision: creating a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.