GRANDE PRAIRIE, ALBERTA. Habitat for Humanity Edmonton (Habitat) and its partners were pleased to welcome officially a family to their Habitat home in Grande Prairie. Habitat has now seen over 790 families across northern Alberta find strength, stability, and independence through affordable home ownership. The homes completed in Grande Prairie resulted from Habitat’s partnership with the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, City of Grande Prairie, and KCM Construction.
“Habitat is uniquely positioned to empower families to transition from renting to owning so that they can focus on other meaningful goals in their lives outside of stable housing,” said Dr. Ann-Marie Reddy, President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity Edmonton. “Our families gain skills and confidence through the home ownership process, and we’re delighted that families in Grande Prairie are gaining much needed stability in their lives through affordable homes.”
As part of the Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has invested $125,000 into the two homes in Grande Prairie, bringing them one-step closer to creating 414 new affordable homes across Canada.
“Homelessness is a reality for too many people in Grande Prairie, and we are working to ensure everyone in our community has a safe place to call home,” said The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre. “This investment through the Rapid Housing Initiative will help our most vulnerable citizens, and will make a difference in the ongoing work to end homelessness and ensure housing affordability in Alberta and across the country.”
The Government of Alberta has been a strong proponent of affordable housing and Habitat Homeownership in communities across the province. Their contribution of $200,000 of provincial grant funding towards the project in Grande Prairie has helped to ensure that local families will prosper.
“Alberta’s government is working to meet Albertans’ diverse housing needs now, and in the future,” said Josephine Pon, Alberta Minister of Seniors and Housing. “We are pleased to have partners develop projects like this to help give more Albertans access to housing that suits their needs.”
Habitat projects are only successful because of community support. The City of Grande Prairie has supported a number of Habitat projects in the community, and has made it possible for Habitat to acquire the land for the duplex homes.
“Grande Prairie City Council congratulates Habitat for Humanity on the completion of their home building project,” said Jackie Clayton, Grande Prairie Mayor. “Their dedication to providing safe, affordable housing has a positive impact in our community, and we are encouraged to see the continued impact of this important organization.”
Habitat partnered with KCM Construction to build the homes for our homeowners. KCM has supported Habitat during an 8-home build in the community in 2020.
“Welcome Home. KCM Construction and all their trade partners who proudly worked on this project are pleased to welcome each of the two families to their new homes and to their new neighborhood,” said Andrea Coleman of KCM Construction. “We want to congratulate Habitat for their mission to provide affordable homes to deserving families.”
Habitat Home Ownership is open to Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents who have a good credit score and an annual household income between $35,000 and $65,000. No cash down payment is required for the home. Homeowners gain access to capped market appreciation with no exposure to market depreciation, pay affordable monthly payments based on 50 percent of the value of the home, and are building equity with each payment.
-30-
About Habitat for Humanity Edmonton
Habitat for Humanity Edmonton brings communities together to help families build strength, stability, and independence through affordable home ownership. For more information about Habitat for Humanity Edmonton, visit HFH.org.
Media inquires, please contact:
Kyle Keller
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
Habitat for Humanity Edmonton
communications@hfh.org
780-974-6470
