Pinchin Ltd has proudly been participating in Habitat for Humanity’s – Habitat Build Day initiative for 10 years and it all started with an invitation to join our partners GWL Realty Advisors in this amazing undertaking.
What is Habitat Build Day?
This one-of-a-kind experience allows organizations to provide their employees with the opportunity to grow and develop their team building skills while also making a real difference in the lives of hard-working families and the communities in which they live. Volunteers from various associations come together on a Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area build site, roll up their sleeves, and put in the work to help support families in need by helping them build personal strength, stability and self-reliance through home ownership.
We are extremely proud that since 2010, more than fifty Pinchin employees have devoted their time and effort to help build affordable housing for low-income families. In recent years their time has been spent at one project – The Pinery Trail site, home to a stacked townhouse construction project spanning three city blocks. Some families have already settled into the first two blocks of this build, and Habitat hopes that more will be able to move in before the start of the next school year. By mid-August, a total of 49 homes are expected to be completed for their new families.
This team-building opportunity is an experience like no other. Our staff – some with construction experience and some without – have learned valuable skills along the way, whether it be putting up drywall, painting rooms, sanding wood, or providing electrical or landscape work.
Getting a Habitat House
Eligible Habitat partnering families typically come from poor living conditions – places that have irreconcilable problems such as overcrowding; bug infestation; mould and disrepair; and violence or drug abuse in their homes or neighbourhoods. The intended families go through a strict application and interview process, providing answers to questions and offering information as needed.
Once selected for a Habitat House, a family must put in 500 hours of “Sweat Equity” on either the build site of their future home, at their local ReStores (Habitat for Humanity’s donation based thrift store) or Habitat office before they get their house – this becomes their deposit on the new home. They are then offered a mortgage that is tailored to their income. Many hard-working families go above and beyond these requirements and contribute additional hours to the betterment of their new community.
Habitat for Humanity GTA Stats for 2018
- 28 families were able to realize home-ownership, stability and self-reliance. That means 142 people (including 88 children) moved into safe, decent and affordable homes.
- 30 homes were built in partnership with local low-income families throughout the Greater Toronto Area
- Over 172,000+ hours were donated by over 8,000+ volunteers on Habitat GTA build sites, ReStores and offices across the GTA
- 10,000+ donations of product (GIK) accepted by Habitat GTA ReStores
How you can Volunteer?
Volunteering with the Habitat for Humanity is a great form of community outreach, not to mention fun and inspiring. Pinchin has always been committed to helping those in our communities and we encourage you to do the same. If you would be interested in exploring this volunteer opportunity with your organization, or if you want to learn more about any of Habitat’s other upcoming events, click on the link below.
Please note: volunteers must be 16 years of age or older and have a waiver signed by a parent/guardian if you are 16 or 17.
https://habitatgta.volunteerhub.com/
Special thanks go out to our partners GWL Realty Advisors for inviting us to take part in this amazing initiative some 10 years ago and getting us addicted to the warm feeling in our hearts every time we hear that a new family has moved into their new home. Thank you!
