EDMONTON, ALBERTA. Habitat for Humanity Edmonton (Habitat) and partners celebrated alongside two families who recently became homeowners. Habitat brought together the REALTORS® Community Foundation (presenting sponsor), the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, and donors Elfrida and Eugene McTague to serve the families through affordable homeownership. The duplex build was dubbed the Orest Myckan Legacy Build, presented by the REALTORS® Community Foundation. The build was named in memory of Orest Myckan, a renowned Habitat volunteer who passed away in January of 2022.
The Government of Canada has provided funding that was integral to the building of both homes. Since 2019, the federal government 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. This funding commitment includes a Black Families Funding investment of $1.4M.
“Delivering the homes Edmonton needs means working with partners that make homeownership easy – and Habitat Edmonton is just that, a reliable partner inviting more people to call our community home, “said the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages. “Together with Habitat Edmonton, we’re getting the job done on housing in Edmonton and across Alberta.”
In March of 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.
Since 2005, the Government of Alberta has been a prominent supporter of Habitat’s program and has invested $200,000 into the Orest Myckan Legacy Build. These two homes will address the need for affordable homeownership.
“Habitat for Humanity is not just about building houses; it’s about building lives and communities,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services. “These two new homes will provide families with access to safe, stable housing. Alberta’s government is proud to support this project, and we thank Habitat for Humanity for all the work they are doing to build more affordable homes in Edmonton.”
The REALTORS® Community Foundation has been a dedicated supporter of Habitat Edmonton for more than 10 years. They contributed $200,000 to the construction of the homes.
“If there’s anybody that recognizes the importance of housing, it’s REALTORS®,” said Amber Blaszkiewicz, Executive Director, REALTORS® Community Foundation. “Like Habitat for Humanity, we truly believe in a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live, and we are honoured to support Habitat and their vision of providing affordable homeownership in Edmonton and across northern Alberta.”
Habitat Edmonton’s affordable homeownership program relieves some financial pressure of homeownership for applicants by offering no down payment and affordable monthly payments. Prospective homeowners must meet Habitat’s eligibility requirements, which includes an annual income between $45,000 and $75,000 and a commitment to volunteering 500 hours with Habitat.
“Habitat for Humanity addresses the need for affordable housing through a hand-up into homeownership,” said Dr. Ann-Marie Reddy, President & CEO, Habitat Edmonton. “This build demonstrates what can happen when the public and private sectors partner with charities to implement positive, generational change. These homeowners can now focus on building strength, stability, and self-reliance for their families while they build equity for the future.”
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About Habitat for Humanity Edmonton
Habitat for Humanity Edmonton brings communities together to help build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. 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
