This is a very significant day for Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver.  With this announcement we will be able to double our impact to help hardworking local families.

NEWS RELEASE

Partnership To Bring More Affordable Housing to Coquitlam

COQUITLAM, BC, Jan. 15, 2019 – The City of Coquitlam and Habitat for Humanity Society of  Greater Vancouver have signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that brings them one step closer to delivering more affordable family housing to Coquitlam.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver was selected for this partnership following a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) in 2017.

The City and Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver recently signed an MOU outlining a framework for the project. This allows the City and Habitat to now move toward a formal binding lease, as well as any other agreements that may be required for the project to proceed.

“Coquitlam’s Housing Affordability Strategy brought forward some innovative policy directions, and we are really starting to see the tangible results of this,” said Mayor Richard Stewart. “While there is still a lot of work to do, partnerships such as this one with Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver are integral to our success in bringing more affordable housing to Coquitlam.”

The development of this designated affordable housing site at 1358 Coast Meridian Road is a key action item in the implementation of the City’s Housing Affordability Strategy.

The key objectives and desired outcomes for this affordable housing project include:

·         Providing affordable units for low- to moderate-income level households earning between 50-80% of Coquitlam’s annual median income;

·         Offering options for affordable home ownership;

·         Designing elements that achieve a high level of accessibility for those with varying accessibility challenges; and, if possible,

·         Potentially benefitting the City’s Affordable Housing Reserve Fund (AHRF).

 Dennis Coutts, CEO of Habitat Greater Vancouver, is overjoyed. “Habitat for Humanity is grateful to the City of Coquitlam for their forward thinking and pro active approach to affordable housing in the city through the Affordable Housing Strategy and Affordable Housing Reserve Fund.  These initiatives have made it possible for Habitat to offer housing solutions to families that will ultimately create a pathway to home ownership.  We look forward to working with the City and the community to make these dreams come true for families that would not otherwise have an opportunity for home ownership.” 

All of the 40-50 units proposed for 1358 Coast Meridian Road will be suitable for families and will meet the City’s affordability target for low- to-moderate household incomes ($35,000-$55,000 a year).

For all participating families, Habitat sets interest-free mortgage payments at  a maximum of 30% of household income, in order to ensure affordability.

As part of their commitment to Habitat for Humanity, participating families are required to volunteer 500 hours of “sweat equity” (e.g. helping at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, assisting in fundraising or working on a Habitat housing project). Families are also required to attend workshops to help them learn about the responsibilities of home ownership.

About Coquitlam’s Housing Affordability Strategy
Coquitlam’s Housing Affordability Strategy (HAS) was adopted in December 2015 to broaden the variety of housing types, sizes, prices and tenures in the city.

A cornerstone of the Strategy is the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund (AHRF), which acts as the key funding mechanism for affordable housing projects by leveraging a portion of density bonus contributions from development towards potential affordable housing options. Information about the AHRF including qualification criteria is available at www.coquitlam.ca/housing.

Housing Affordability Strategy Success
Since the HAS was adopted, more than 4,000 new purpose-built rental units are being planned or built in Coquitlam with close to 800 of those being designated as non-market or affordable rental. In the decade prior, fewer than 200 market and non-market rental units were developed in Coquitlam.

Additionally, all ten of the top ten high-priority action items identified in the HAS have been completed, as well as 46 of the 54 action items identified in the plan are now complete.

For more information on Coquitlam’s Housing Affordability Strategy, visit www.coquitlam.ca/housing.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Vancouver
One of 55 Habitat for Humanity affiliates across Canada, Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver provides a Hand Up out of the poverty rental cycle for hard-working local families. Habitat for Humanity builds safe and affordable housing as a first step into the traditional housing market by providing families with an equity build model based on monthly shelter payments capped at 30% of family income.  Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver has built 31 homes in Burnaby and Vancouver, is currently building homes for 12 families in Richmond and is starting 19 homes in Mission in 2019.  The land partnership with the City of Coquitlam will represent what is believed to be the third largest single lot Habitat build in Canada, represents a significant incremental growth for the Vancouver affiliate and will, over the term of the 80 year land lease, help approximately 500 families and over 1500 children.  

To learn more or to apply for housing, please visit www.habitatgv.ca.

Media contact:

City of Coquitlam:

Andrew Merrill

Manager, Community Planning

amerrill@coquitlam.ca

Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver
Stephani Baker

Director of Operations

Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver

sbaker@habitatgv.ca

Volunteers and trades are pressing hard to have our first three homes in Richmond ready to welcome families through their doors by New Years!  Insulation is in and vapour barrier and drywall are next.  There will be a flurry of activity over the next two months!  At the same time we are commencing work on the second phase of the site with another 3 homes now ready for walls! If you have millwork, carpentry, landscaping or floor/tile laying experience, we would love to have you help us meet our deadline.  Everyone else, skilled or not, are also welcome as there is always lots to do and we can teach you!  Let’s make the start of 2019 a life changer for 5 families! #affordablehomes #volunteer #givingback

We are deeply grateful to Novus TV and their amazing team as we now have a new Public Service Announcement to share!!  We are looking for broadcast partners to help get the word out by sharing our 45 second PSA.  If you have a network that you think would be interested in helping in any way, we would be grateful if you would share this link.  Be a Habitat Ambassador and help us get 12 families into the homes in Richmond this year so we can start on our next 50 homes in Coquitlam next year!  Donate, Build, Volunteer. Join us in making a difference.  Thank you to all of you who are already by our side!

Are you ready for deals on amazing new and used product? 

Our Langley ReStore Grand Opening is July 28th.  Join us on site in the afternoon for a BBQ and giveaways from Today's Country - JR FM along with design tips from Pro Designer Jamie Banfield and his demonstrations on  how to upcycle common ReStore items.

To celebrate the Langley opening, our usual monthly sale day has been extended to 3 days and is available in all 5 of our Greater Vancouver locations.  Tell your friends, share on social media and know that you are making a life long difference for hardworking local families!

We are excited to share that a new Habitat Greater Vancouver ReStore will be opening in Langley in July 2018.

This great new location is at 20104 Logan Avenue, just off 200th Street and south of Hwy 10.

A team from TELUS was on site today helping to build our cash desk and other setup.

If you love what we do and have a few extra hours per week to supplement our staff to get us going or be a regular once we open, we would be thrilled to have you.

Be sure to register via the Volunteer tab on the website and indicate that you wish to help in the ReStore- Langley.

Share the news and watch for amazing new and used product this summer.

We are on the hunt for passionate, strong and energetic individuals who love the used goods industry or are looking to work in a meaningful workplace.  Every day is different and all your efforts lead to a greater good as we help have an impact on the affordable housing crisis! If this sounds like you then check out this job.

Meet Matt and Yvette...

Canada’s National Volunteer Week, which takes place this year from April 15 to April 21 is a time to celebrate and thank the 12.7 million volunteers across Canada that philanthropically contribute to the nation’s many causes. Habitat for Humanity across the world relies on volunteers to complete the manual labour associated with building homes for families. In Greater Vancouver, we can confidently say that we’ve had volunteers log a total of over 6000 hours throughout the last year alone! At our build site in Richmond, which will soon be the location of 12 new homes for families, we see many volunteers. Corporate Build Days bring out groups of co-workers for full-day builds and in addition, we also have individual volunteers that we’ve come to rely on through their regular commitment of time and energy. Today we feature two of our many dedicated supporters. Both have been working tirelessly to help get the homes built. Committed as if it were a paying job, Matt and Yvette are familiar faces on a weekly basis in Richmond, and symbols of why we’re able to do the work we do. 

Get to know why they stay involved below; and learn how you can sign up for a build day or volunteer here.

Matt is a mainstay for the build team and has been volunteering every Thursday for the last 6 months. Matt works exceptionally hard to deliver quality work. His knowledge of the site and construction is an invaluable asset to the Habitat team. Matt is always willing to assist other volunteers, helping them find tools, explaining the days’ tasks and tackling projects himself. Matt’s willing attitude and work ethic help build a great team atmosphere when he is on site. Thank you Matt for all your hard work and especially all the heaving lifting!

Yvette donates her time every Wednesday, rain or shine, to the Richmond build. She is friendly, knows her way around the build site, and is willing to work on any task assigned to her. She lives in Richmond, close to the site, so volunteering on site is a perfect way to get involved in her community. Yvette started volunteering because she wanted to give back to her community. She remembers coming to Canada as a young immigrant, without the ability to speak English. She remembers how nice and welcoming people in Canada were to her, so she enjoys being able to do something for the people in her community, especially to assist other families like Gamachu and Dureti (a partner family who will be receiving one of the Richmond homes this summer) in achieving their dream of home ownership.

If you’d like to volunteer as an individual this year, find more information on our Volunteer Page. You can also volunteer with your colleagues through our Corporate Build Day program, more information here. If you’re strapped for time but still want to support the work that Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver is doing, please donate here.

Next week, we’ll be bringing 2 booths to Vancouver’s 2018 @buildexshows. Stop by on February 14 and 15 to sign up for volunteering, team build days, and to learn more about how you can help your Habitat.  AND be sure to visit the Life Tec booth where they will be holding a silent auction for a steel framed 2 bedroom laneway home that could be your new hideaway!  All auction proceeds to Habitat Greater Vancouver! @lifetecgroup

A new year and many of us have new goals and resolutions. What if one of your goals meant that you could be part of having a direct impact on 12 families' lives?  If you have construction skills that you would be willing to share, even just for a few hours, we would welcome you to our build site!  If you do not but are keen to learn and want to give back to others, you are equally welcome! Contact our Volunteer Manager Andree Nash at: anash@habitatgv.ca.  If you are a company looking for a group team building event that is meaningful - we have just the opportunity for you with a Habitat Build Day.  Contact Steph Baker at: sbaker@habitatgv.ca  to book your experience.

For 12 families, their year will mean a change forever as they experience the joy of a fresh new home and financial stability that will lead them to independence.  Join us!

Staff from all areas of Habitat Greater Vancouver, from the ReStore to the Fleet to the office, all participated in a day on the build site, doing what we work to accomplish every day, building more homes for local working families. If you or your colleagues have yet to be part of this incredible experience, be sure to book your Habitat Build Day now and reserve a day before next summer when the homes will be complete! You will feel empowered and witness a family receiving the keys to their new future.

Visit one of our four ReStores this Friday and Saturday and take home a fresh look in preparation for the Holiday Season. Hundreds of new items in stock: new, gently used and vintage! It's a win-win as your purchases help build homes for hardworking families - 12 of whom are looking forward to the completion of their homes in Richmond next year!

Greetings from Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver!

Hi there,

Because you are a Global Village participant or team leader, I am reaching out to invite you to connect with our rather large community of local “Habittaters” who have also helped provide homes for thousands of families across the globe.

There are over 800 warm and generous Vancouverites like you who have participated on a Global Village trip somewhere in the world. Personally, my wife and I have been on 3 trips, so we are keenly aware of the life altering perspectives one gains from the GV experience, and look forward to the next one.

Wouldn’t it be exciting to celebrate our common interest of building homes and serving families by sharing our experiences and stories? We think so, which is why we’re arranging a party to give you an opportunity to connect with others in the GV community. We would also like to fill you in on what is happening with Habitat locally - with the Richmond build for 12 families currently underway and an upcoming project in Coquitlam for another 50 – 60 families, there are tons of opportunities to help out with your local Habitat affiliate.

Here’s what I need from you:

Email  “Yes” to celebrate@habitatgv.ca  if you’re interest in connecting, and I’ll do the rest!

Thank you for your support and significant contribution to building a better world, here and there!

Warm wishes,

Dennis Coutts, CEO Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver.

Team Building in Richmond

A corporate group joins a family soon to be living in our Richmond Homes.

Habitat for Humanity to Provide Affordable Housing in Coquitlam

COQUITLAM, BC, June 27 – Further to a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) process, the City of Coquitlam has selected Habitat for Humanity of Greater Vancouver as the successful proponent to build affordable housing at 1358 Coast Meridian Road.

The development of this affordable housing site through a partnership between the City and Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver is a key action item in the implementation of the City’s Housing Affordability Strategy, which was adopted in December 2015.

The key objectives and desired outcomes for this affordable housing project include:
• Affordable units for low to moderate-income level households earning between 50-80% of Coquitlam’s annual median income;
• Offer options for affordable home ownership;
• Design elements that achieve a high level of accessibility for those with varying accessibility challenges; and if possible
• Potentially benefit the City’s Affordable Housing Reserve Fund (AHRF).

The City received 13 proposals from eight proponents and selected Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver’s proposal to build affordable home ownership units for modest income families who are currently renting and would normally not qualify for a traditional mortgage.

All of the 40-50 units at 1358 Coast Meridian Road will be suitable for families and meet the City’s affordability target for low-to-moderate household incomes ($35,000-$55,000 a year).
For all participating families, Habitat sets interest-free mortgage payments at a sliding scale, up to a maximum of 30% of household income, in order to ensure affordability.

As part of their commitment to Habitat, participating families are required to volunteer 500 hours of “sweat equity” (e.g., helping at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, assisting in fundraising or working on a Habitat housing project). Families are also required to attend workshops to help them learn about the responsibilities of home ownership.

The next steps in the process will be the preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the partnership between the City and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Vancouver. The MOU will outline specific project details including the terms related to the property transfer, any AHRF contributions, maintenance, target population, etc., and will be subject to Council’s approval.  

For more information on the City of Coquitlam’s Housing Affordability Strategy, visit www.coquitlam.ca/housing.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Vancouver
One of 56 Habitat for Humanity affiliates cross Canada, Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver works with deserving families to build safe and affordable housing. To learn more, visit habitatgv.ca.

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Media contact (updated on November 29 2021):

City of Coquitlam
Jim McIntyre
General Manager, Planning & Development
604-927-3401

Habitat for Humanity
Lyn Duke - Community Events Manager community@habitatgv.ca

Thought for the Day

I have some very good news to share with you all. 

Just before I put pen to paper on that, I would like to share some personal thoughts with you.

As supporters of Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver, we all share a common vision and purpose.  That vision and purpose is to make the world a better place for those families we have collectively chosen to serve in many different ways.  In that service, you have dedicated yourselves and you have kept vision and purpose alive through often difficult circumstances.   That is amazing, a good reflection of the quality of character you each possess.   Donors, volunteers, staff and families alike.

I am grateful that you have kept the vision that someday, we would build homes for families that need our help, making a difference for them, their children, and their children’s children. 

Now, the good news!  We have received our building permits for 8180 Ash Street in Richmond!!!!  We can now begin to fulfill the vision so many of you have kept alive for so long.  We are going to begin building by May 31 with boots on the ground. 

We know exactly what to do now.  Build Homes.  Build Hope.

Habitat will now enter a new chapter in our history, and I am excited we all get to take this trip together. 

Now we look to all of our supporters more than ever to help us execute.  Whether it be donated services or product or cash, donating your time or fundraising - together we can have an impact.

Right now we are looking for volunteer part-time administrative build support, hoping a call out to volunteers will give opportunities to those who expressed an interest in the build program.  We have also posted for a site supervisor to oversee the next great challenge of building. 

Let’s celebrate!  This is a great day for all of us, and more good news is on the horizon, but for today?  Let’s go hard and be happy on our journey.  Looking forward to build days with you all.  Bring your energy, knowledge, enthusiasm and donations and we will get you in a hard hat and swinging a hammer.

With deep appreciation for each of you and your hard work.

My very best,
Dennis Coutts

CEO Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver

GORDON FOOD SERVICE – A SHINING STAR IN THE COMMUNITY

It is often said that it takes a community to raise a child – in this case, it takes a community, and caring partners in the community, to build safe homes in which to raise healthy, happy children. 

Gordon Food Service is just such a partner in our community.  Habitat for Humanity has been fortunate to have their significant financial support Canada-wide for many years.  Each year, employees, friends and business partners assist their various business groups raise money through local fundraisers to contribute to the building of homes in communities across the land. 

Habitat Greater Vancouver is honoured to have the commitment of GFS BC and their extended “family” as one of our largest partners and a full home sponsor, through their donation of $100,000 to our upcoming Richmond homes! 

As if this was not already an incredible gift, an energetic team of 17 women (and some men) have taken on the challenge of raising a minimum of $1,000 each in support of our Women Build campaign – also in support of the Richmond homes.  Their team has, to date, raised over $15,000 and is now the top fundraising team for this initiative. 

This outstanding achievement and support of our work is humbling and deeply appreciated by those who will benefit from their efforts and generosity – our families and children!  We know that they are all excited to trade in their office attire for work boots and tool belts for a few days and we cannot wait to welcome them! 

Some of them, pictured here, couldn’t wait and took a trip to the build site to get in the mood! 

Left to right :
Theresa Chernoff -GFS  BC- Women Build Chair

Colleen Hayes - SCA

Tricia Joseph -GFS BC

Deb Franz -Riches

Carly Anderson -SCA 

Kerry Rogers - GFS BC

THANK YOU GFS for making the dream of home ownership a reality for struggling families!  

Dear Habitat supporters:

The Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver (HFHGV) is pleased to announce the hiring of Dennis Coutts as our CEO effective January 2016. Dennis comes to HFHGV from Regina where he was most recently the Executive Director of Regina Palliative Care. Prior to this Dennis served as the CEO for Habitat for Humanity Regina (HFHR) from 2007 to 2013, building over 60 homes and raising close to $20M in donation. Under his leadership HFHR transformed from an under-performing affiliate to one recognized nationally as a high performing affiliate. 

Dennis lead teams to Habitat Global Village outreach in El Salvador, Honduras, Portugal and is planning Macedonia in 2016.

Other awards for HFHR:

Habitat for Humanity Regina Inc. most improved affiliate in Canada 2008
Habitat for Humanity Regina Inc. most significant growth in class in Canada 2010
Habitat for Humanity Regina Inc. best of class in Canada 2011
Habitat for Humanity Regina Inc. International Support Award 5 years running.

Prior to living in Regina, Dennis lived in BC for 22 years. He has been married to his wife, Wendy, for 44 years, had 3 grown children and 4 granddaughters.

We are excited to have Dennis join our team, bringing his passion and experience with Habitat to the partner families, volunteers, donors, staff and members of our affiliate.

Sincerely,

Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver Board of Directors.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver was thrilled to partner with Miele Canada in the deconstruction of their Yaletown showroom as part of their expansion/renovation plans. In support of the City of Vancouver’s Greenest City Action Plan and their goal to reduce solid waste by 50% of 2008 levels HFHGV has been actively seeking out opportunities to educate and train volunteers and staff on Deconstruction practises. The Miele deconstruction allowed us to focus on one of the cities four highest priority action items under their “Zero Waste” component. “This action focuses on policies to prevent wood and other materials from being sent to the landfill or incinerator through a process that takes apart buildings and salvages materials, rather than a traditional demolition method.”

This also provided our team of international students, ReStore Managers, tradesman from a local construction company, volunteers, and our Deconstruction Team Leader with education on the ins and outs of the deconstruction and reuse industry. It provided valuable experience and education helping us create experts to support and contribute to the Green Jobs Initiative.  Our primary focus for this project was education and materials recovery.

“What is A Green Job? This plan borrows from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) definition, which describes green jobs as those that “contribute substantially to preserving or restoring environmental quality… reduce energy, materials and water consumption… decarbonize the economy and minimize or altogether avoid generation of all forms of waste and pollution.” Job sectors range from clean technology and green buildings to education and materials recovery. Green jobs also include jobs in traditional sectors with businesses that have significantly greener processes or operations than industry standards. The GCAP has added local food to the UNEP definition, as growing an urban food system is central to the Greenest City vision for a sustainable economy. Local food is defined here as all food and beverage (including wine) produced and consumed within British Columbia.”

Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver has the unique opportunity of not only having a strong volunteer base but also a network of retail locations that sell reclaimed building supplies. Thus allowing us to effectively remove and resell the components reclaimed from the deconstruction. We successfully diverted 8 kitchens, tables, stools and cabinetry from landfill. Funds raised from the sale of these goods will help build decent, affordable homes for hardworking families in our community who would not otherwise be able to own a home.

We would like to thank the amazing team at Miele:

Kelly Lam VP Marketing

Selby Kostuik Designer

Scott McIvor Project Manager

Lossen Zimmerman Centre Supervisor

On Monday July 13th 2015, Richmond City Council approved our new build project on 8180 Ash Street.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver is thrilled to announce that we are one step closer to providing 6 new homes for 12 Partner Families. This approval gives us the green light to begin the planning process for our build; this includes securing build permits for the fall.

The ability for us to succeed and move forward was due largely to the incredible donation of 18 months of time, expertise and services from Abbarch Architecture and PWL Partnership Landscape Architects.  They provided design and numerous amendments to the project to garner final approval.

Thank you Abbarch and PWL!

We also owe a huge thank you to all of our volunteers, donors and friends of Habitat Greater Vancouver for your continued patience and support, we look forward to seeing you on the build site over the next year!

*Details of the start of building activity will be forthcoming in the near future.

Habitat Greater Vancouver is very pleased to announce that its Development Variance Permit application was approved on Wednesday, June 24 2015 by the municipality of Richmond.  Habitat Greater Vancouver is seeking authorization for its 8180 Ash Street development project to build 6 single family homes with rental suites that will provide 12 hardworking families with homes.

The organisation’s municipal application had to be reintroduced after its Development Variance Permit was denied this spring based on vehicle manoeuverability in parking areas, concerns expressed by the community on house design and need for additional community consultation.

Habitat successfully addressed those issues and inquiries before the Development Permit Panel. Subsequently, the organization is now able to submit for City Council approval on July 13th and proceed to apply for a building permit by late September. Habitat Greater Vancouver will announce its new ground-breaking date in late fall and extends its deepest appreciation to its supporters for their continued commitment and patience.

When Randall Forrester, or Randy as he likes to be called, and his family moved into their house in the spring of 2004, he knew he was setting the foundation for his ten year plan. He and his wife had been proactively searching for a house for a long while and were getting ready to move out east to Saskatchewan when they heard about Habitat for Humanity on a CBC show.

Despite a few reservations, Randall decided to attend an introduction session and as they say the rest is history. Even though the time between the application and actual move was longer than he expected, Randy says that he and his wife were very clear that it was a “hand up” that would allow them to move into the local market they had been struggling with for so long.

“We knew we were reasonable, hardworking people and that we would get there”.

At the end of last summer Randy’s dream came true and he was able to acquire a house in New Westminster thanks to the Habitat Greater Vancouver buyback process. When asked about moving out of his ten-year home, Randy describes his exiting experience as “fantastic” as flexibility allowed him to plan out his transfer from one house to another on a convenient schedule.

The Forrester family’s Habitat journey was not a “perfect picture” as Randy puts it. Of course, there were a few challenges along the way, such as finding a school for his daughter, but he describes his experience as instrumental to accessing the regular market and feels strongly about “passing the opportunity along to others”.

He says that having worked onsite at Habitat while fulfilling the sweat equity requirement is really helping out with his current remodelling. “It gave me so much more knowledge and the practical skills of building and renovating a house”. Needless to say, Randy is also a frequent ReStore customer where he shops for supplies.

Randy says he is extremely grateful to Habitat for the opportunity and is eager to continue his relationship with the organization through supportive involvement. We wish him the best on his new adventure as a homeowner and look forward to running into him at the ReStores.