Thunder Bay, ON, November 30, 2023 – In its enduring mission to help working, lower-income families in the Thunder Bay area secure affordable housing, Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay hosted a dedication ceremony today for a mother and her three children moving into their newly built habitat home.
Habitat Thunder Bay is a dedicated non-profit housing organization committed to creating a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. “We mobilize communities to help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance,” said Lana Vukelic, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay. “This bi-level 3-bedroom house is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a dream come true for this hard-working family.”
The home is built for Kayla, a Metis single mother, and her three songs. “It represents hope, stability, and an enduring legacy for the family, who previously faced housing challenges. This house represents more than just a shelter for my sons and me; it symbolizes a new chapter, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the strength of community collaborations. I sincerely thank Habitat Thunder Bay, the Government of Canada, and Sagen for their unwavering support and belief in our future. My boys, and I are not just receiving keys to a house; we are unlocking the doors to a brighter, more stable future” said Kayla, Habitat Thunder Bay’s latest family.
Fundamental to Habitat for Humanity’s ability to make housing affordable and to move forward on projects like this, is support from funders like the Government of Canada and corporate partner Sagen.
Through the National Housing Strategy, the Government of Canada has invested $50,000 into this home, bringing Habitat for Humanity one-step closer to creating 1,117 new affordable homes across Canada.
“Thanks to the National Housing Strategy and our strong partnership with Habitat for Humanity, we are making safe and affordable housing a reality for Canadians,” said Marcus Powlowski, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay – Rainy River, Ontario. “I am very pleased to see the positive impact of our work here in Thunder Bay today, and I wish Kayla’s family all the best as they embark on this exciting new chapter as homeowners.”
In March 2023, the Government of Canada and Habitat for Humanity Canada announced an additional $25 million investment to build 500 new affordable homes across Canada over the next three years. This brings the total federal investment in Habitat for Humanity to $80.8 million through the Government of Canada’s National Housing Co-Investment Fund.
Having contributed $20,000, Sagen emphasized their shared vision: “Our recent home build with Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay is a testament to our commitment to making homeownership accessible. Together, we’re not just constructing houses, but building communities and dreams.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lana Vukelic
Chief Executive Officer
Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay
Phone: (807) 345-5520
Email: ceo@habitattbay.com
Micaal Ahmed
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca