Habitat GTA, Daniels and BlackNorth Initiative welcome two families to their new homes in Brampton, Ont.

Last week, Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area (Habitat GTA), The Daniels Corporation (Daniels) and BlackNorth Initiative (BNI) welcomed two Habitat GTA partner families to their new homes at Daniels Olivia Marie Gardens Phase 2, a collection of one and two-bedroom condominiums in Brampton, Ont.

“Welcoming two families to their new homes today exemplifies our shared dedication to prioritizing people and providing opportunities for them to thrive in a safe, high-quality and beautiful new home where they can pursue their dreams,” says Heela Omarkhail, vice president of social impact, The Daniels Corporation.

A ‘significant achievement for Black Canadian families’

As the first time that Daniels has partnered with Habitat GTA and BNI to build these two homes in support of the BNI Homeownership Bridge Program (HBP),* the milestone marks “a significant achievement in providing safe and affordable homeownership opportunities for Black Canadian families.”

In fact, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)’s 2021 Housing Research Insight Report notes that in 2016, Canada’s overall homeownership rate was over 72 per cent, with Black Canadians representing a much lower homeownership rate of 44 per cent.

By partnering across private, non-profit and government sectors, Habitat GTA, Daniels and BNI have combined their resources and expertise to “amplify their efforts, dismantle discriminatory practices, set standards for inclusive housing practices and ultimately inspire systemic change.”

“Today marks a monumental step forward in our mission to dismantle systemic barriers and forge equitable opportunities for Black Canadians. The HBP is more than just providing homes; it’s about building a foundation for stability, security and future success,” says Dahabo Ahmed-Omer, chief executive officer, BlackNorth Initiative.

“For the first time, we have a home that suits our needs, and it genuinely feels like the future is more promising,” says Nikesha, a member of one of the families who received keys to their new home.

Funding sources and commitments

Since 2019, the Government of Canada has committed funding of $11.7 million through the Affordable Housing Fund under the National Housing Strategy towards Habitat GTA’s projects, including these homes. The funding commitment includes a Black Families Funding investment of $3.6 million.

“Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity play a crucial role in our efforts to ensure that every Canadian has a secure place to call home,” says Member of Parliament Sonia Sidhu on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities. “The federal government is committed to investing in more affordable homeownership options across the country.”

In March 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, bringing the total federal investment in Habitat for Humanity to $80.8 million through the Government of Canada’s Affordable Housing Fund.

As well, a one-time grant of $2.5 million was provided by the Region of Peel towards BlackNorth’s HBP. “The only way we can tackle the housing crisis is by working together and confronting systemic discrimination,” says Nando Iannicca, regional chair, Region of Peel.

“Our work does not stop here; the housing affordability crisis demands we press on, and so we look forward to continuing to work with all our tremendous partners to make more homes possible here in Brampton and across our wider region,” says Ene Underwood, chief executive officer, Habitat for Humanity GTA.

* In collaboration with the Dream Legacy Foundation, the HBP is a result of a partnership between Habitat GTA and BNI, which aims to unite society at all levels to work together to eliminate systemic racism within the housing system.

Photo: Peter Gedye