“This project was a true community build. We did not receive government funding to build these homes. Instead, these homes were built by the generosity of people, community partners and organizations across Niagara.” – Habitat For Humanity Niagara CEO Mark Carl
A News Release from Habitat For Humanity Niagara
Posted July 27th, 2026 on Niagara At Large
A Brief Foreword Note from Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – With the leadership of the late U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalyn, this is one of the greatest non-for-profit organizations founded and now operating in hundreds of communities across North America, including Niagara, to help put a roof over the heads of struggling families. Let’s do everything we can as individuals and communities to support it.
WELLAND, ONTARIO – Five local families are now homeowners thanks to Habitat for Humanity Niagara’s largest housing project to date.
Thanks to volunteers across Niagara. these folks will now have a home. Photo courtesy of Habitat For Humanity Niagara
At a key ceremony held today, Habitat Niagara officially handed over the keys to five families moving into new townhomes in Welland. The six-unit townhouse development was built on land purchased from the City of Welland, with three more townhouses planned for construction on the property in the coming months.
A key ceremony is a special Habitat tradition where the keys are passed around for guests to share wishes, words of encouragement and positive thoughts for the families before they receive their new homes.
For Habitat Niagara CEO Mark Carl, the project is a powerful example of what can happen when a community comes together.
“This project was a true community build,” said Mark. “We did not receive government funding to build these homes. Instead, these homes were built by the generosity of people, community partners and organizations across Niagara.”
Volunteers, donors, businesses, tradespeople and community groups played a role in making these homes a reality for these families. From financial contributions and building materials, to skilled labour and volunteer time, support came from across the region to help create safe, affordable homes for local families.
Through Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership Program, eligible families must demonstrate a need for more suitable housing, have the ability to make affordable mortgage payments, and commit to partnering with Habitat. Each family completes 500 volunteer hours before purchasing their home.
These hours include helping on build sites, supporting Habitat events and ReStores, and participating in workshops that cover budgeting, home maintenance and other important homeownership topics.
“Families partner with Habitat to make that dream possible,” said Sarah Pritula, Philanthropy and Major Gifts Director. “It’s a thorough process that takes time, commitment and hard work, and helps set families up for long-term success.”
Habitat Niagara is currently accepting applications for the remaining townhouses and is looking for families to join its Affordable Homeownership Program
To learn more about the program, or apply, visit habitatniagara.ca.
About Habitat for Humanity Niagara – Habitat for Humanity Niagara is a non-profit organization that brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. With the help of volunteers and generous donors, Habitat Niagara builds decent and affordable homes that provide a solid foundation for people to build better, healthier lives. Established locally in 1993, Habitat Niagara has constructed 85 homes in Niagara, serving 93 families and creating stable and secure housing for more than 300 children.
Habitat for Humanity Niagara proudly owns and operates three local ReStores in Fonthill, Grimsby and St. Catharines. Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a social enterprise retailer that accepts and resells donations of new and used furniture, appliances, décor, home improvement items and building materials. All proceeds from operations fund Habitat for Humanity Niagara and help build homes in the community for those in need of a safe place to call home. The first Habitat for Humanity ReStore began in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to support Habitat’s mission. Built by Canadians. Building for Canadians.
For more information, please visit habitatniagara.ca
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