LOCAL LEGENDS: Building Hope: Habitat for Humanity’s affordable housing journey

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In my journeys, connecting with people, I have found “Local Legends” everywhere, and with Habitat for Humanity Manitoba (Habitat Manitoba), I have found not just one but many.

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I could start with Jamie Hall, the CEO, and the staff at Habitat Manitoba, but there are so many more from the countless homeowners, volunteers, and supporters, all local legends in my book, working hard to make the dream come alive.

Founded on a vision that everyone should have a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began its journey on a small community farm in Georgia. Clarence Jordan, a biblical scholar, and Millard and Linda Fuller, who founded Habitat, developed “partnership housing,” where those needing shelter work with volunteers to build affordable homes. This idea of collaboration and mutual respect has remained at the heart of Habitat for Humanity’s mission, guiding the organization’s work for nearly five decades.

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Founded in 1976, Habitat’s movement spread globally, with Canada’s first home built in Winkler, Manitoba. In 1985, Winnipeg became home to Canada’s first local affiliate, marking the beginning of a legacy across the country. Today, Habitat for Humanity Canada is a leading non-profit supported by affiliates, volunteers, and homeowners, building a brighter future for families. Their core values of collaboration, integrity, honour, and excellence—are evident in every aspect of their work.

A few years ago, I joined a home-build worksite, where I witnessed Habitat’s values in action. Amidst the hammering and sawing, I saw strangers becoming neighbours, united by a shared purpose. The camaraderie on that worksite was felt all around, with each nail driven into wood representing a step closer to a family’s new beginning.

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It was a powerful reminder of Helen Keller’s words: “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”

In 1993, former President Jimmy Carter, a longtime advocate, fundraiser, and Habitat volunteer, helped build 18 homes in the Point Douglas area. In July 2017, Sandy Hopkins, who was Habitat for Humanity’s CEO at the time, and staff brought the Carter Work Project back to Winnipeg and welcomed Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter to participate in building more homes in the St. James area. Habitat’s success is built on partnerships, as volunteers, donors, and homeowners improve the quality of life for families.

In July 2023, Jamie Hall took the helm as CEO, bringing a wealth of experience from the public and non-profit sectors. Beyond his leadership at Habitat Manitoba, Jamie and his wife enjoy gardening and hosting international students in their home in his spare time. Jamie’s heart is continually serving our community in multiple ways to help make Winnipeg a better place to live, work and play. During the school year, you will also find him teaching a night class on leadership at the University of Manitoba while volunteering and supporting other outside organizations.

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Since 1987, Habitat for Humanity has built over 500 homes in Manitoba, and this year, they are building 11 five-plex units for 55 families representing some 275 people, including 175 children. Habitat empowers families through an affordable homeownership model, requiring families to pay a mortgage set at 27% of their income and contribute 500 hours of labour. This model bridges the gap for low-income families, instilling pride and responsibility.

A key component of Habitat’s success is the ReStore, launched in Winnipeg in 1991. With over 100 locations across Canada and over 1,000 worldwide, ReStore locations generate critical revenue for Habitat’s projects. The ReStore also promotes sustainability by diverting reusable materials from landfills.

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If you haven’t visited a ReStore yet, you’re missing out on an opportunity to make a difference. It’s well worth a visit and a great way to support Habitat for Humanity’s projects.

Habitat’s impact extends beyond home construction, helping break the cycle of poverty and create lasting change in communities. As Habitat continues to grow, it remains committed to excellence, drawing strength from its heritage while embracing new opportunities. The founders’ words still resonate: “What the poor need is not charity, but capital; not caseworkers but coworkers.” Habitat’s story is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to a better future.

This philosophy continues to guide Habitat for Humanity as it works to eliminate poverty housing, one home at a time. Beyond building houses, Habitat for Humanity is building stronger, more resilient communities where families can thrive and contribute to a more vibrant society.

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For those inspired by Habitat’s mission, there are many ways to get involved locally: volunteer, donate, shop at their ReStore, or advocate for affordable housing. Every volunteer hour, every dollar donated, and every item purchased at ReStore directly contributes to lifting families out of poverty. Your involvement today can build a brighter tomorrow.

As Jamie Hall and the Habitat for Humanity Manitoba team know, success is achieved through collaboration. Together, we can build a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

I’ve heard it said that the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service to others, and this mindset is evident throughout the organization. These words echo the spirit of Habitat for Humanity, reminding us that when we come together, we can accomplish extraordinary things.

If you stop by the Restore or their main office at 60 Archibald St, Winnipeg, to purchase something, volunteer for an upcoming build, or donate to this exciting organization, let Jamie know that Art sent you.

— Art Alexander is the President of Art Alexander & Associates

Have thoughts on what’s going on in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada or across the world? Send us a letter to the editor at wpgsun.letters@kleinmedia.ca

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