From the Desk of Hazzem Koudsi, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings.
88% of Canadian renters say the goal of owning a home has become out of reach. There are so many barriers to achieving the dream of homeownership causing hopelessness and despair as housing costs and saving for down payments seem impossible to overcome. Building safe, decent, and affordable housing isn’t just a dream, it’s the foundation for strong and vibrant communities. Habitat for Humanity has long been at the heart of this work, both internationally and right here in the Quinte region.
Locally, you may have noticed demolition well underway at 93 Dundas St. E which is the former location of the Calvary Temple and Belleville Police Service building. The new Habitat Village taking its place is Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings (Habitat PEH) largest projects to date, which will become home to 66 hard working families in our community once construction is completed in June 2028.
As the old structure comes down, new buzz has been ramping up around how Habitat works and what the new Habitat Village will bring to our community. There are still some misperceptions and myths, so let’s clear the air and explore what Habitat Village really means for families, neighbours, and the future of housing in the Quinte region.
What is Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity is a global movement operating in more than 70 countries and deeply rooted in local communities. Its mission is simple but powerful: to ensure everyone has a decent, safe, and affordable place to call home. Habitat builds strength, stability, and independence by partnering with people and families who need better housing. It is not by giving away homes, but creating fair, affordable pathways to homeownership.
Myth #1: Habitat gives away free homes
Through Habitat PEH’s affordable homeownership program, individuals and families purchase their homes with an affordable mortgage. Homeowners must demonstrate the following:
- Clear need for better housing
- The ability to make affordable monthly payments
- A willingness to partner, including completing 500 volunteer hours in lieu of down payment
Habitat PEH supports new homeowners with education, training, and guidance, ensuring they’re well prepared for long term success. For many, it’s their first ever chance to build equity and escape the cycle of unstable and unaffordable rental housing.
Myth #2: no one can realistically complete 500 hours
Families are encouraged to involve relatives, friends, coworkers, and supporters. Hours can be completed in a variety of ways. They can support at the build site, the ReStore, community events, or through administrative support. It’s a community powered effort that brings people together and strengthens the support network that families rely on.
Myth #3: I won’t qualify for a home
Habitat PEH uses a transparent, non-discriminatory selection process aligned with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Each applicant’s situation is reviewed confidentially by the Family Selection Working Group, with final approvals from the Habitat PEH Board of Directors.
Key factors considered include whether a family’s current housing:
- Is unsafe or unhealthy
- Costing more than 30% of their gross income
- Unsuitable for their family size or composition
- Precarious or not a long-term solution
The goal is simple: prioritize local households who need a safe, stable, and achievable path to homeownership.
How does Habitat PEH build and fund its homes?
Habitat’s work is possible only because of the generosity of the community. Projects are funded through:
- Donations (monetary or physical) from individuals and families
- Support from local businesses and service clubs
- Government grants
- Revenue from Habitats ReStore operations
What is the ReStore?
The ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store where donated new and gently used items such as furniture, appliances, building materials, and home decor are sold at a fraction of retail price. Every purchase helps fund daily operations, build homes locally and a portion also supports global habitat builds. It’s an environmental, affordable, and community building win.
How will Habitat Village at 93 Dundas Street East help families?
Habitat Village is an exciting new condominium community designed specifically as an entry level homeownership opportunity for local working families. This innovative model allows families to own their own homes, build wealth, and achieve financial stability while sharing the costs of maintaining common spaces in a simple and affordable way.
How will the new five storey condominium building be managed?
A homeowner led condominium board will oversee the building. Habitat PEH will guide the board during the first year to ensure a smooth transition. Condo fees remain stable because the design focuses on essentials, not luxury amenities. Revenues generated by the on-site community centre and daycare will be reinvested into the shared reserve fund, helping reduce long term costs for families.
How Habitat helps the entire community – including homelessness
Habitat Village doesn’t just help the families who move in, but it also strengthens the entire housing continuum. When a new family becomes a homeowner, their formal rental home becomes available for another household to occupy. According to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), increasing the diversity of housing options helps match households with homes they can actually afford thus reducing strain on family budgets and unlocking more supply across the community.
Habitat Village is one piece of the broader solution to the local housing gap, and its ripple effects benefit everyone.
How can I get involved?
Whether you want to swing a hammer, volunteer at the restore, join a committee, or support at one of our signature events, Habitat PEH would love to hear from you. Visit www.habitatpeh.org for more details about volunteer opportunities, housing applications, and ways to support the mission.
Habitat Village isn’t just a housing project. It’s a chance to build stronger families, stronger neighborhoods, and stronger Quinte region.