The Dream of Affordable Homeownership Becomes Reality for Four Whitehorse Families
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December 9, 2024
Whitehorse, YT – Habitat for Humanity Yukon celebrated the completion of two duplexes in Whistle Bend this past weekend with a key ceremony for four families.
This special ceremony brought together key community leaders, project partners and supporters to celebrate the completion of the homes and the families who have partnered with Habitat. These homes will provide the families with the opportunity to build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership.
“Homeownership isn’t just about providing shelter – it’s about giving parents the foundation they need to thrive and build a better future for their children. The families moving into these homes are gaining a hand-up, not a hand-out, into the security and financial stability they need to thrive,” said Susan Graves, Chair of Habitat Yukon’s Board of Directors. “As one of 45 local Habitat organizations across Canada, we wish that we had the capacity to provide more homes as there is a huge need in the Yukon. Without the significant financial support of the Government of Canada, Yukon Housing Corporation and the Tachane Foundation’s investment in Habitat Canada’s Indigenous Housing Partnership, this project could not have moved forward,” added Suzanne Greening, Executive Director of Habitat Yukon.
Since 2019, the Government of Canada has made a total funding commitment of $474,000 through the Affordable Housing Fund under the National Housing Strategy towards Habitat Yukon projects, including these homes. This funding commitment includes a Black Families Funding investment of $125,000.
“Organizations like Habitat for Humanity are invaluable partners as we work to tackle the housing crisis and ensure that every Canadian has a safe place to call their own,” said Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “I am proud that we could support these new homes in Whitehorse and I wish these families the very best as they start their new chapters.”
In March of 2023, the Government of Canada and Habitat for Humanity Canada announced an additional $25 million investment to build 500 new affordable homes across Canada over the next three years. This brings the total federal investment in Habitat for Humanity to $80.8 million through the Government of Canada’s Affordable Housing Fund.
The project began with the generous transfer of the lots in Whistle Bend by the Yukon government. In 2020, the Government of Yukon’s Department of Energy, Mines and Resources transferred the residential lots to Habitat for Humanity Yukon for a nominal fee of $1 each to assist the organization in its ongoing efforts to build affordable housing for Yukoners. In addition, the Government of Yukon contributed $400,000 through Yukon Housing Corporation’s Housing Initiatives Fund to support construction. These investments are aligned with the corporation’s five-year strategic plan, Creating Home, which is committed to working with partners to expand the options for Yukoners along the housing continuum.
“Our government is proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity Yukon to help Yukoners access affordable housing and build strong, inclusive communities. We are committed to creating sustainable housing solutions by advancing a variety of housing initiatives. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers whose efforts made these houses possible, helping four new families have a place to call home.” said Ranj Pillai, Premier and Minister responsible for Yukon Housing Corporation.
For the past 15 years, the Tachane Foundation has partnered with Habitat Canada through its Indigenous Housing Partnership to help improve access to safe and affordable homeownership and all the benefits that come with it for Indigenous families, youth and communities across Canada.
About Habitat for Humanity Yukon
Habitat for Humanity Yukon is a charitable, non-profit organization working toward a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Habitat builds strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. We do not give away free homes – Habitat houses are sold to families who pay an affordable mortgage geared to income. We believe that homeownership is a critical component in the housing spectrum and work hard towards ensuring that owning a modest, safe and affordable home is within reach for hard-working families. For more information, please visit habitatyukon.org/
Media Contacts:
Suzanne Greening
Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Yukon
604-626-8559
[email protected]
Sofia Ouslis
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
[email protected]
Jason Seaton
Yukon Housing Corporation
867-333-9571
[email protected]