Habitat for Humanity is a wonderful illustration of those at risk of poverty, the wider community, non-profit and for-profit sectors collaborating together.
Habitat for Humanity has expanded substantially from its roots in Georgia, USA, in 1976. It has become a worldwide recognized non-profit driving force both in providing much needed support one family at a time, while also advocating strongly for those at risk of homelessness. In 2011, Habitat for Humanity Canada completed its 2,000th home and has now helped 2,700 families. You can read the last Habitat for Humanity Canada Progress Report here.
We are living proof of what can be achieved when we lift each other up and give each other a helping hand.
—Lisa Tukker, Courtenay, B.C. Habitat partner family
The Habitat for Humanity mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty.
ReStore
There are some 90 ReStores across Canada alone. An interesting connection with Milton Transitional Housing is that Habitat for Humanity has provided Milton Transitional Housing with office space within their Milton ReStore. Habitat has also provided valuable mentoring given their experience in supporting those at risk of homelessness.
Shopping at a ReStore is a socially conscious decision, as funds generated are used to fund Habitat homebuilding projects. As well, shopping at a ReStore is an environmentally conscious decision, as much of what is sold is product that is new, gently used or customer returns that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
Habitat for Humanity was mentioned in the current book I am reading Leveraging Corporate Responsibility. Several large corporations support Habitat for Humanity as part of their social responsibility through both corporate donation and volunteering of their employees. In Canada P&G is currently offering to match donations until December 31st. Home Depot is a long acknowledged as one of the legacy partners.
Opencity Inc. thinks giving a spotlight to charities is important and one way we can be socially responsible.