National Housing Day is bringing home affordability into the spotlight in midwestern Ontario.
Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce revealed home ownership rates have dropped in both Bruce and Grey Counties since 2006, with housing becoming further out of reach for many families.
According to Habitat for Humanity’s 2024 Affordable Housing Survey, the vast majority of Canadians (84 per cent) say buying a home feels like a luxury and the goal of owning a home in Canada has become out of reach (81 per cent).
“The housing challenge requires a collective effort,” said Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce Executive Director Greg Fryer. “We are extremely grateful to our donors, volunteers, partners and staff for their generosity as we strive to grow our work to empower even more hard-working families to thrive and have a safe, accessible, and decent home to call their own.”
In 2024, Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce fully completed two homes in May and will have two more completed before the end of 2024 on the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. The organization also renovated the former library building into three apartments.
The projects were accomplished under the Model of Hope partnership, an agreement between Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce and Saugeen Ojibway Nation (Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation) which has built 35 homes and supported many more critical repairs since its inception in 2016.
Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce also successfully purchased back four previously built Habitat homes, three in Hanover and one in Wiarton. Three of the homes have been fully renovated in collaboration with the new Habitat homeowners and family selection for the fourth home is set to open in early 2025.
“Housing is one of the most critical aspects to building a life,” said Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce Partnerships Manager Lisa Campbell. “While the current market presents a significant challenge, it is not insurmountable. It will take collaboration and commitment. Together, we can and will make a difference.”
Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce has served 131 adults and 205 children since 1987. With our help, Habitat homeowners are given the opportunity to thrive, enabling them to build a better life for themselves and their children.
National Housing Day is November 22.