From the Desk of Hazzem Koudsi, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings.
There is much excitement in the air as we tear down the former police station at 93 Dundas Street East. This project will result in 66 new condominium units that will become home to families in the Quinte region that have been paying high amounts for rent, thereby prohibiting them from saving for a down payment on a home and achieving the dream of homeownership.
I’ve noticed in the various social media platforms that there is some skepticism on what Habitat for Humanity means to our community and how we are helping with the homelessness crisis in Belleville. I have always maintained that affordable homeownership through Habitat for Humanity plays a key role in rebuilding the middle class while addressing homelessness. I can see why there are questions as to how Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings (Habitat PEH) helps when homelessness is on one end of the housing continuum while affordable homeownership is near the other end of the spectrum.
As housing prices continued to rise faster than wages, many working families in Belleville found themselves caught between two difficult realities: being unable to afford a home and being ineligible for traditional social housing. Habitat for Humanity bridges this gap by providing a path to homeownership that is both attainable and sustainable, helping families gain stability, equity, and hope for the future.
Ownership has always been a cornerstone of the middle class. It allows families to build equity, develop financial security, and participate fully in the community. Through Habitat for Humanity’s unique model where families contribute volunteer hours and receive a preferred interest, geared to income mortgage, working individuals who might otherwise be renters are now able to own their homes. In Belleville, where the cost of living and housing pressures have increased sharply, this model keeps families rooted in the community and prevents the erosion of the middle-income population, which supports local businesses, schools, and civic life.
By promoting stable homeownership, Habitat PEH also helps prevent homelessness. Many families are on the brink of losing their housing or not chronically homeless but are trapped in unstable or unaffordable rental situations. Habitat for Humanity’s approach intervenes before crisis occurs. When families are given the chance to own a home with predictable payments, they no longer face the uncertainty of rising rents or the risk of eviction. This creates a stabilizing ripple effect whereby children can stay in the same schools, adults can maintain steady employment, and families can focus on improving their quality of life rather than merely surviving. My parents and immediate family are proof of that!
In Belleville, affordable housing challenges have intensified due to limited rental availability, low vacancy rates, and increasing demand from surrounding regions. Habitat PEH’s projects not only provide direct housing solutions, but also inspire partnerships between community groups, municipalities, and local businesses. Each home built creates jobs, stimulates the local economy, strengthens social fabric, and builds a more resilient community.
Habitat for Humanity’s model empowers families to transition from vulnerability to independence. It restores dignity through homeownership, fosters civic engagement, and reinforces the economic diversity that defines a healthy middle class. In doing so, Habitat PEH is not just building homes, it is building a stronger, more inclusive Belleville where everyone can belong, contribute, and thrive.
