We build strength, stability and self-reliance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario Celebrates Key Ceremony in Tillsonburg 

TILLSONBURG, ON – June 28, 2023 – Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario is excited to announce a Key Ceremony for a future Habitat homeowner, and their family in Oxford County. This Habitat home is built in partnership with Hayhoe Homes, the Town of Tillsonburg, Oxford County and the Government of Canada. Join in the celebration at 54 Braun Street, Tillsonburg, on June 28, 2023, at 11:00 AM.  

Rebecca Smith, Manager of Housing Development at Oxford County, said, "Recognizing the immense demand for affordable housing, we understand that addressing this need requires collective efforts. Habitat for Humanity plays a crucial role in facilitating community collaboration and securing funding, enabling families to realize their dreams of owning a home. These inspiring stories instill hope and reinforce the importance of our ongoing commitment to ensure safe and affordable housing for everyone."

A new survey released November 10, 2022, by Habitat for Humanity Canada finds Canadians rank affordable housing as the third most important issue facing Canada today, behind inflation and healthcare. The Habitat for Humanity Canada Affordable Housing Survey, which measured the perceptions of Canadians, also sheds light on growing concerns and barriers to homeownership, including lack of housing supply, increased cost of living, discrimination, NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) sentiment and more.

Through the National Housing Strategy’s National Housing Co-Investment Fund, 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.

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, the Government of Canada is investing in affordable housing here in Tillsonburg, and across the country. Thanks to today's announcement and in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Heartland, a deserving family will achieve their dream of owning a home they can proudly call their own. This significant step highlights our commitment to ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve the pride of ownership. I hope that they find great happiness in their new home.” – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion

“Today marks a special day for Melissa and her family. I want to say congratulations to this family who now has a safe, affordable place to call home. There is a great need in our region for affordable housing, and today, this family is receiving key to their very own home. This is one of the ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure no one is left behind.” – Peter Fragiskatos, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for London North Centre

Mayor Deb Gilvesy said, "It is with great satisfaction that we announce the completion of this Habitat for Humanity home which signifies an important step in addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in our area. We extend our gratitude to Hayhoe Homes, Habitat for Humanity, the County of Oxford, and the Government of Canada for their valuable partnership as we tackle this challenge together." 

Chantal McQueen, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario, said, "We are thrilled to celebrate the completion of this welcoming new home in Tillsonburg. Through a fruitful collaboration with Hayhoe Homes and Oxford County, we have constructed a home that will not only provide much-needed affordable homeownership opportunities in the region but will also transform lives. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Tillsonburg community, and beyond, for the incredible support throughout this project. The support we received comprised donations of building materials, team build day participation and gifts of professional labour. Thank you for helping to give a lower income family an empowering hand-up and the sightline to a secure future."

David Looby, Real Estate Analyst for Hayhoe Homes, said, "Hayhoe takes great pride in commemorating the completion of this Habitat for Humanity home, as we prepare to welcome the new homeowner who will soon be moving into an exceptional, high-quality and affordable residence in the local community of Tillsonburg. It is a testament to the successful collaboration between Hayhoe Homes, local trades and suppliers, and Habitat for Humanity, and we are honoured to be part of this significant milestone."

About Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario: 

Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario is a non-profit, non-denominational housing organization. We welcome partners without discrimination to help us build simple, decent, affordable homes for lower-income families. 100% of the revenue from our nine ReStores supports the administrative costs of Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario. With the help of volunteers, donors, and community partners, we have built 132 homes and counting in 6 counties, creating strength stability and independence for the people we serve. To learn more visit: www.habitat4home.ca. 

About Hayhoe Homes:  

Hayhoe Homes builds new homes with quality craftsmanship, exceptional design, and impeccable service in St. Thomas and Tillsonburg, and the surrounding area. With more than forty years of experience and a comprehensive sales and service program, we take the stress out of building a new home so the buyer can enjoy the process of creating a place to match their lifestyle. Hayhoe Homes stands behind every home built, helping people fall in love with their new homes. To learn more visit: www.hayhoehomes.com. 

About the Town of Tillsonburg:

Located 90 minutes west of the Toronto area, Tillsonburg offers companies a strategic location in Ontario’s agriculture and manufacturing heartland. With low business and development costs, progressive policies and a high-speed fibre optic network, Tillsonburg is home to more than 600 regional, national and international companies. To find out more about Tillsonburg, visit www.tillsonburg.ca. 

About Oxford County:

Located in the heart of southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 130,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” As a partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is emerging as a leader in sustainable growth through the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan and County Council’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy, becoming a zero waste community and working towards zero poverty. Situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, agriculture is a key industry that is driving innovation in sustainable industries and diversifying the local economy. Oxford County offers a thriving local arts, culture and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The Oxford County Administration Building is located in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca or follow our social media sites at www.oxfordcounty.ca/social. Oxford County’s Strategic Plan is at oxfordcounty.ca/strategicplan.

About the National Housing Strategy:

Government of Canada's National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, $82-plus billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call home.

• NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private housing sectors. This includes consultations with Canadians from all walks of life, and people with lived experience of housing need.
• All NHS investments delivered by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments will respect the key principles of NHS that support partnerships, people, and communities.

To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, please visit www.placetocallhome.ca.

Contacts: 

Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario:



Chantal McQueen, CEO

cmcqueen@habitat4home.ca (519) 455-6623 x222

Donnie Baker, Marketing Manager

(519) 455-6623 ext. 228 – marketing@habitat4home.ca