Carter Work Project building 150 homes for Canada 150

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) just announced that the governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing $1.2 million in Habitat for Humanity’s Carter Work Project to help Manitobans become homeowners.

“This announcement is truly unprecedented and demonstrates the Government of Canada’s firm commitment to helping Canadians in-need meet their housing needs,” says MP Eyolfson, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for CMHC. “Our Government is proud to contribute to the largest build in Habitat for Humanity Canada’s history and we look forward to continuing our strong relationships with our valued partners.”

For Canada 150, the 34th Carter Work Project will be building 150 homes across Canada from July 9 to 14, and Former US President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, will be in attendance, focusing their efforts in Edmonton, Alberta and Winnipeg, Manitoba. 

Screenshot from Carter Work Project video below

“Habitat Manitoba’s commitment to the Carter Work Project is to construct 25 new homes and we could not possibly meet that objective without this financial support from the federal and provincial governments,” says Sandy Hopkins, CEO of Habitat Manitoba. “Our total investment to build the 25 homes is about $6.5 million but that investment will generate over $40 million in value to society over the next 50 years, in today’s dollars.”

The funding in Manitoba is part of a $90 million, two-year commitment between Manitoba and the government of Canada through CMHC. The 25 homes will be built in Winnipeg (21),  Portage la Prairie (2) and Brandon (2).

Qualifying families commit to 500 volunteer hours of sweat equity towards the construction of their homes. When completed, the homes are sold to the family at fair market value, there is no down payment, the mortgage is kept at zero interest, and the repayment is based on a percentage of household income.

“Habitat provides such an effective model in home ownership and creates pride by giving people the opportunity to build their own home,” says Manitoba Families Minister, Scott Fielding. “Safe housing lifts people up, helps families succeed and builds healthy communities. Manitobans are excited to volunteer with this valuable project to address poverty and homelessness as part of Canada’s 150th birthday.”

Since 1984, the Carter Work Project has built, renovated, and repaired more than 4,000 homes across 14 countries with support from nearly 100,000 volunteers. Overall, more than 150 families in Canada need affordable homes, but this initiative is huge and will definitely make a difference in many communities across the country.