COLD LAKE, ALBERTA. Habitat for Humanity presented families with keys to their Habitat homes, addressing the need for affordable housing in communities across northern Alberta. Constructed by Value Master Homes, these homes will empower families to transform their future, allowing them to build strength, stability, self-reliance, and equity to pass on to future generations.
Since 2019, the Government of Canada has made a total funding commitment of $2.8M through the Affordable Housing Fund under the National Housing Strategy towards Habitat Edmonton projects, including these homes.
“Organizations like Habitat for Humanity help Canadians find a safe place to call their own. Our strong partnership with Habitat for Humanity builds more affordable homes across the country, together. Congratulations to the families who will be moving into homes in Cold Lake, I wish you all the best as you prepare for this new exciting journey.” — The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, Alberta and Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages.
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 Affordable Housing Fund. The Government of Alberta has been a prominent supporter of Habitat’s program across Alberta. They have invested into constructing all four homes in Cold Lake.
“By working with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, we are committed to ensuring that every Canadian has a safe place to call their own,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Today’s announcement is an example of what strong partnerships can do to help build more affordable homes across the country. I wish these families all the best as they prepare for this exciting new journey.”
The construction of these homes was made possible through the City of Cold Lake. The city set aside lots for this build, and donated the land required for the homes.
“These days an affordable path to homeownership is more important than ever,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “It is an honour to work with Habitat for Humanity Edmonton to bring this opportunity to four families in the City of Cold Lake. Strong families are the foundation of any successful community and ensuring that as many people as possible can own a home and develop deeper roots in their community will benefit us all.”
Habitat Edmonton’s projects are only possible with the support of the community, and Value Master Homes partnered with Habitat Edmonton to construct the homes on the Cold Lake build.
“As a family-owned company in Cold Lake, Value Master Homes is proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity to provide much needed access to affordable homeownership,” said Trevor Benoit, President, Value Master Homes. “When it comes to the need for affordable housing, Cold Lake is no different than any other community in Alberta. We’re so honoured to be able to build these homes knowing that they are going to be affordable for families in our community.”
Habitat’s affordable homeownership program empowers families to exit the rent cycle and own a home. All four Cold Lake homeowners met Habitat’s eligibility requirements, which includes an annual income between $45,000 and $75,000 and a commitment to volunteering 500 hours with Habitat.
“With support from our partners, Habitat for Humanity is addressing the need for affordable housing across northern Alberta,” said Dr. Ann-Marie Reddy, President & CEO, Habitat Edmonton. “In Cold Lake, our program has empowered families to become homeowners, and for them to create a safe and stable home. By bringing communities and organizations together, we will continue to create positive, generational change.”
– 30 –
About Habitat for Humanity Edmonton
Habitat for Humanity Edmonton brings communities together to help build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable home ownership. For more information about Habitat for Humanity Edmonton, please visit hfh.org.
Media inquires, please contact:
Kyle Keller
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
Habitat for Humanity Edmonton
communications@hfh.org
780-479-3566
Micaal Ahmed
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca
