Habitat Toronto and The Home Depot Canada Foundation Built Two Homes In 10 Days

TORONTO, Oct. 4, 2012 /CNW/ – Toronto, ON (October 4, 2012) – From September 25 to October 3, Habitat for Humanity Toronto and The Home Depot® Canada Foundation held a ten-day build blitz, constructing – from the ground up – two fully-accessible, semi-detached, houses on Giltspur Drive near Jane Street and Sheppard Avenue West.  Hundreds of skilled Home Depot associates and supplier partners traded in their aprons for hard hats to participate in this ambitious build that provided two low-income Toronto families with simple, affordable homes just in time for Thanksgiving weekend.

“It is a testament to our city’s commitment to end the affordable housing crisis when individuals, companies, and foundations come together for a collective goal,” said Neil Hetherington, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Toronto. “Building two homes in just ten days is an incredible feat, but one that will be made feasible thanks to The Home Depot Canada Foundation’s commitment to building safe, decent housing in our city.”

Habitat Homeowners, the Hilowle’s and Omar’s, will receive the keys to their fully accessible, environmentally friendly homes following the ten day build. For Maryan Hilowle, her mother, and her son, numerous maintenance problems left their previous home in unsanitary and unliveable conditions that almost made the prospect of homelessness a reality for the family. Similarly, Sabah Omar, his wife, Gunay, and their three young children faced an uphill battle with tight finances, a cramped apartment, and injuries that left their son, Hussein, with a prosthetic leg and Sabah’s arm with debilitating use. “This home will give us something permanent,” says Sabah. “We will be able to stop moving around and our kids may be safe and well cared for.”

“The Home Depot Canada Foundation is dedicated to sharing its time, knowledge and resources to support affordable housing and community improvement projects that benefit Canadians in need,” said Peg Hunter, Chair of the Board of Directors for The Home Depot Canada Foundation. “Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity Toronto is directly aligned with our goal of making lasting, physical improvements to the neighbourhoods we serve.”

Since 1996, The Home Depot Canada and its Foundation have been the largest supporter of Habitat for Humanity across the country, donating over $4 million annually in funding and product, as well as thousands of volunteer hours.  This year, the Foundation will support more than 15 Habitat for Humanity projects across Canada.

To see a time lapsed video of the project, please visit: http://www.ucitonline.com/habitat/