From the Desk of Hazzem Koudsi, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings.
As 2025 draws to a close, Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings (Habitat PEH) is proud to reflect on a year marked by record progress, strengthening partnerships and meaningful impact for families across our region. Guided by a renewed strategic direction and unwavering community support, we have advanced our mission of ensuring that everyone has a safe, decent and affordable place to call home.
Building Foundations – Both literal and Organizational
We began the year with strong governance momentum, finalizing key policy updates through the Governance Committee and the Board of Directors.
We didn’t complete any new builds in 2025, but the foundations were laid for builds in the coming years.
- Land in Trenton on Lester Road was secured in June, with ground broken on four units that will be completed in 2026
- Property on Bursthall in Marmora was acquired in May, which will become two units in 2026
- The Mohawks Bay of Quinte (MBQ) confirmed Habitat PEH’s use of designated land in July.
Demolition of the old Belleville Police Service building is expected to be completed in early 2026 clearing the way for ground-breaking of 66 new affordable homes in fall 2026.
We started work on the foundation of two duplexes in Trenton on Lester Road in November. This will pave the way for four families to achieve their aspiration of home ownership in summer 2026.
To ensure future builds are both cost-effective and sustainable, extensive research was completed on modular and tiny home construction. After reviewing several leading builders and emerging technologies, including 3-D built homes, we confirmed modular construction will remain our primary path forward to its longevity, affordability and equity building potential.
A Record-Breaking Year for ReStore
Our ReStore operations in Trenton and Belleville were a major highlight of 2025. Thrifting has become integral in our communities’ goal of being sustainable and good stewards of the environment. Habitat PEH diverted 60 tons of material away from landfills while providing the community with construction material as well as home décor, appliances and furniture. We also encouraged repeat shopping by implementing a customer loyalty program. This program encourages both donors and shoppers to continue their support of sustainable practices while contributing to our home builds.
Our growth wasn’t luck or magic. We invested in our employees. Staff completed leadership, forklift, harassment and workplace safety training. Key positions were juggled with empathy and compassion as well as integrity to support fundraising and event management needs.
Volunteer recruitment also surged thanks to collaboration with Volunteer Information Quinte and stronger strategies leveraging community and school engagement opportunities.
Strengthened Leadership and Regional Collaboration
Regionally, partnerships grew with neighbouring Habitat affiliates, municipal leaders, and new connections with newly elect MPP and MP representatives. Notable outcomes included:
- $200,000 building permit fee waiver from the City of Belleville
- Strengthened alliances with City of Belleville, Quinte West, and Prince Edward County municipal teams
- Progress on major potential projects including Bowery street (through Advocacy) and a large scale Quinte West project in addition to our core Habitat Village project.
- New relationships with developers like Base31 and Bay of Quinte Golf Course
- A financing partnership with RBC
- A developing trades training partnership with Loyalist College and conversations with CFB Trenton to support build-site labour needs
Community Engagement & Fundraising Success
This year also saw a surge in public engagement, fundraising success and community outreach:
- Raise the Roof concert sold out with strong media attention
- Ground breaking and demolition events attracted broad political and community participation
- Chip in For Change, the Belleville Chamber of Commerce golf tournament, Rock Solid Housing Bonspiel and several Rotary (such as Rotary Loves Kids Golf and Porchfest) as well as community events brought new donors and partnerships
- The meaning of Home contest saw 146 student submissions, which is a string showing from children in grades 4-6
- Marketing strategies across radio, print, and social media strengthened Habitat mandate and brand awareness and boosted ReStore performance
Looking Forward
Habitat PEH is poised for an even more transformative 2026 with donor participation rising, new land secured, and stronger than ever partnerships. This year reminded us that incredible things happen when a community moves together with shared purpose. 2026 promises to deliver greater impact and positive outcomes for the Prince Edward and Hastings communities.