Habitat Niagara building again in St. Catharines thanks to partnership with City

The following is a joint news release from Habitat for Humanity Niagara and the City of St. Catharines:

Habitat for Humanity Niagara is excited to be building again in St. Catharines, partnering with the City to transform a neglected property into a safe, affordable home for a local family.

This collaboration will mark Habitat Niagara’s 86th home build in the region, following the completion of six townhomes in Welland, and highlights the impact of strong municipal partnerships in addressing the need for affordable housing.

“We’re incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to breathe new life into a home that has long needed care, transforming it into safe, affordable housing within a vibrant, established neighbourhood,” said Habitat for Humanity Niagara CEO Mark Carl. “This project is a powerful example of what’s possible when municipalities, community organizations, businesses, volunteers and residents come together with a shared passion for making a difference. We’re proud to partner with the City of St. Catharines to open the door to a brighter future for a local family and to help strengthen the fabric of our community.”

The City of St. Catharines recently acquired the single-family home on Junkin Street through a failed tax sale and recognized an opportunity to advance its housing goals through a strong community partnership. By selling the property to Habitat Niagara, the City is helping restore an existing home and create an affordable homeownership opportunity for a local family.

"Strong communities are built through strong partnerships. While municipalities cannot solve the housing challenge alone, this partnership with Habitat for Humanity Niagara is one of the ways the City is able to support meaningful housing opportunities,” said City of St. Catharines CAO David Oakes. “Through the transfer of this property we're helping transform an underused asset into a safe, affordable home for a local family, while strengthening an established neighbourhood. It's a practical example of how collaboration can create lasting community benefit.”

Habitat Niagara will complete a comprehensive renovation of the home, including necessary structural assessments and remediation, to ensure it meets all current building code standards. Construction is scheduled to begin this month.

Once completed, the home will be sold to a local family through Habitat Niagara’s Affordable Homeownership Program. The program offers families a path to stability through an affordable mortgage, while fostering community involvement through a requirement to complete 500 volunteer hours.

Community members will also have the opportunity to be part of the build. Habitat Niagara will host 15 Habitat Build Days, inviting individuals, businesses, and organizations to contribute hands-on support to the renovation.

Applications for the Junkin Street home are currently being accepted. Families in need of more suitable housing are encouraged to apply at habitatniagara.ca, where full eligibility details are available.

Habitat Niagara doesn’t just build new homes; the organization also restores existing properties. This marks its second home renovation project, following the successful transformation of a property in Port Colborne in 2016. Municipalities and individuals who know of similar properties with potential are encouraged to contact Habitat Niagara and help create more affordable housing opportunities in our region.       

About Habitat for Humanity Niagara

Habitat for Humanity Niagara is a non-profit organization that brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. With the help of volunteers and generous donors, Habitat Niagara builds decent and affordable homes that provide a solid foundation for people to build better, healthier lives. Established locally in 1993, Habitat Niagara has constructed 79 homes in Niagara, serving 86 families and creating stable and secure housing for more than 288 children.

Habitat for Humanity Niagara proudly owns and operates three local ReStores in Fonthill, Grimsby and St. Catharines. Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a social enterprise retailer that accepts and resells donations of new and used furniture, appliances, décor, home improvement items and building materials. All proceeds from operations fund Habitat for Humanity Niagara and help build homes in the community for those in need of a safe place to call home. The first Habitat for Humanity ReStore began in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to support Habitat’s mission. Built by Canadians. Building for Canadians.

For more information, please visit habitatniagara.ca