Montreal, QC - October 17, 2006 – Habitat for Humanity Montreal announced today the first construction project in east-end Montreal. They also announced that they have received a donation of $360,000 over the next three years from long time Habitat for Humanity supporters: Genworth Financial Canada, a leading mortgage insurance provider, retailing giant Home Depot Canada, and MCAP, Canada’s largest independent mortgage and equipment financing company.
“Habitat for Humanity has set its sight on the province of Quebec. Montreal is the flagship of many more affiliates to come in Quebec, with new groups forming in Deux-Montagnes, Quebec City and Gatineau,” says Habitat for Humanity Montreal President Stephen Rotman. “As a result of this generous gift from our Founding Sponsors, Habitat Montreal has already acquired land in the east end of Montreal and will be building its fourth house on the island of Montreal in 2007.”
Habitat for Humanity Montreal will build up to four homes on the lot, which is situated at the corner of George V and Hochelaga, in the borough of Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. Habitat for Humanity has expressed a wish to acquire the adjacent lot, in order to meet the needs of even more local families. Habitat for Humanity has already built three homes in the St Henri district of Montreal.
Habitat houses are built in partnership with recipient families, with the help of donations from companies and individuals, and thanks to the work of many volunteers. Houses are sold to the families at no profit, with no downpayment or interest on their mortgage, which is calculated according to the families’ capacity to reimburse. Mortgage payments are deposited in a revolving fund, to provide for the future construction of additional homes.
About Habitat for Humanity Canada
Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, non-profit, faith-based organization working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Our mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty.
The organization was founded in 1985 and is a member of Habitat for Humanity International. Habitat for Humanity Montreal was founded in 1998.