Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter help build 150 homes across Canada with Habitat for Humanity
EDMONTON, Alberta (July 10, 2017) – Thousands of volunteers are joining Habitat for Humanity’s 34th Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Canada to build 150 homes in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter will build alongside future homeowners in Edmonton, Alberta, and Winnipeg, Manitoba, with additional projects taking place in communities across the country.
The first day of building kicked off July 10 and will continue through July 14. Projects during the week include: 75 homes in Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan, 25 homes in Winnipeg and 50 homes in territories and provinces across Canada.
“Rosalynn and I are pleased to be bringing together volunteers to build alongside families during this year’s Carter Work Project,” said President Carter. “Housing affordability in Canada is at an all-time low. We are proud supporters of Habitat for Humanity and grateful to everyone who is joining us in our efforts to bring affordable housing to families across the country.”
President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter kick off a week of building with Habitat for Humanity, helping 150 families build places they can call home as Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary.
Achieving access to an affordable home is increasingly difficult for many Canadians, with 91 percent saying high costs are the biggest barrier to homeownership, according to a recent survey by PSB conducted on behalf of Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, 1 in 7 Canadian households, including 735,000 children, are in core housing need, according to data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation – meaning that too many families do not have a safe, decent, affordable place to call home.
“The homes we are building in Canada will bring much needed stability to so many families,” says Mark Rodgers, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. “We are thrilled to be welcoming President and Mrs. Carter to Canada and to see so many communities across the country coming together during this one week to help empower families through affordable homeownership.”
“A stable home can unlock infinite possibilities for families,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “We are grateful to the many volunteers and sponsors and especially to President and Mrs. Carter for being a voice for affordable housing and working with future homeowners who are building better lives for themselves and their families.”
Since 1984, President and Mrs. Carter have traveled around the world with Habitat, donating their time and voices annually to build and improve homes and raise awareness of the critical need for decent and affordable housing. Inspiring millions over the last three decades, President and Mrs. Carter have worked alongside nearly 100,000 volunteers in 14 countries to build, renovate and repair more than 4,000 homes.
Country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will also lend their hands in Edmonton. Brooks and Yearwood, who along with the Carters were named inaugural Habitat Humanitarians, have volunteered their time, skills and voices to Habitat since 2007. In Winnipeg, long-time Habitat Canada supporter and HGTV star Scott McGillivray will be building homes with volunteers during the week.
Habitat’s work is made possible thanks to the incredible commitment of our homeowners, volunteers, sponsors, donors and community partners. We would like to thank the many supporters of the 34th Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, including: City of Edmonton; City of Fort Saskatchewan; Province of Alberta; Province of Manitoba – Manitoba Housing; Dow Chemical Company; Hunter Douglas Canada; Lafarge; Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries; The Rossy Family Foundation; CGC; Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation; Floform; The Home Depot; Kristie Charitable Foundation; Lowe’s; Nissan Canada Foundation; Owens Corning; Qualico; Schneider Electric; Stanley Black & Decker; Stantec; TELUS; and Wall Grain.
About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in nearly 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org
About Habitat for Humanity Canada
Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, nonprofit organization working toward a world where everyone has a decent and affordable place to call home. Habitat for Humanity brings communities together to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. With the help of volunteers, Habitat homeowners and 56 local Habitats working in every province and territory, we provide a solid foundation for better, healthier lives in Canada and around the world. For more information, please visit www.habitat.ca.
About Habitat for Humanity Edmonton
Founded in 1991, Habitat for Humanity Edmonton is the largest Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Canada. The charitable organization is working towards a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Their mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty. Visit HFH.org for more information.
About Habitat for Humanity Manitoba
Habitat for Humanity Manitoba is the local affiliate of a global nonprofit organization that has been working since 1987 toward a world where everyone has a decent and safe place to live. HFHM has partnered with local businesses, faith groups and thousands of dedicated volunteers to build homes for over 340 Manitoba families with over 1000 children having a better future. For more information, visit habitat.mb.ca.