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Celebrating the completion of Habitat for Humanity’s Latest affordable housing development 

Kemptville Korners represents a milestone build between Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa and Habitat for Humanity Thousand Islands as both organizations continue to support local families amidst the growing housing crisis.

Kemptville, ON (July 18, 2024) – on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Thousand Islands celebrated the completion of its latest affordable housing development, Kemptville Korners, during yesterday’s official Key Ceremony. Kemptville Korners was the first time both Habitat Greater Ottawa and Habitat Thousand Islands partnered together to complete a much-needed affordable housing development for local families.

This 15-Unit development consists of townhome and stacked townhome units next to the Kemptville Campus and Hospital in a growing neighbourhood close to amenities such as parks, schools, shopping and community centres.

Integral to this build is funding from the Government of Canada. Since 2019, the federal government has made a total funding commitment of $1.5M through the Affordable Housing Fund under the National Housing Strategy towards Habitat Greater Ottawa projects, including these Kemptville homes.

“Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity are invaluable partners in our work to ensure that every Canadian has a safe and affordable place to call home and I am proud of our work together,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities. “To the families moving into their new homes today, I wish you nothing but the very best as you start these new chapters.”

“This was my first Habitat for Humanity Key Ceremony, and it was an exciting and emotional experience witnessing these families take this next big step in their lives,” says Sara Cooper, CEO of Habitat Greater Ottawa. “You can see the happiness, but also the relief on the families’ faces as they now have a home, they can call their own. We are grateful that we can continue partnering with them, now as Habitat Homeowners, as well as provide more affordable housing opportunities for families in the near future.”

The Key Ceremony event celebrates not only the Kemptville Korners families, but the dedication and passion of Habitat for Humanity volunteers, sponsors and donors in helping complete this development. During the event, Habitat Greater Ottawa also celebrated a milestone of its own as the organization officially welcomed it’s 100^th family served.

“After over 30 years, we’re proud to have now helped over 100 families access safe, stable and affordable housing,” says Cooper. “At the same time, we recognize it should not take us another 30 years to serve the next 100 families. With the current housing crisis, we cannot overlook the importance and long-term impacts of affordable homeownership. Habitat for Humanity looks forward to growing and expanding affordable homeownership opportunities alongside community partners, governments at all levels, developers, advocates and all those who share our belief in the transformative power of home.”

Hear from a few of our new Habitat Homeowners:

“Owning a home means safety and protection. It means financial and emotional security. Our kids will know we will always be in our home and even when they grow up, they can always come back to the same place.” – Marlon & Mariecel

“I want our home to be a place where we can relax and recharge. We’re no longer at the mercy of rentals and look forward to saving more for our children’s future. Since we will own our home, that home will eventually belong to our children – and that brings us a lot of peace of mind.” – Ousmane & Fatma

“Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership program is simply a one-of-a-kind program, but I believe this type of affordable homeownership program is more of what is needed in the world right now. I hope that Habitat for Humanity will continue to expand and grow in order to help many more families who need it.” – Melissa

Habitat Greater Ottawa and Habitat Thousand Islands could not complete this build without the support of the community, volunteers, donors and sponsors. Thank you to the Government of Canada,  Grenville Mutual Insurance Company, eQ Homes, The Leacross Foundation, CLV Group, Dave Beatty & Canarm, Nudura, Cavanagh Concrete, iSpan and the Municipality of North Grenville for their generous support of this development. 

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For more information, to obtain event photos, or to arrange an interview please contact:

Sandra Oey
Senior Manager, Communications & Marketing
Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa
soey@habitatgo.ca

About Habitat for Humanity for Humanity

With the help of local Habitat families, donors, community partners and volunteers, Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes that provide a solid foundation for local families.

Habitat’s Affordable Homeownership program offers more than just housing; it sets families up to be successful homeowners who are invested in their homes and in their community. The benefits of owning a long-term stable Habitat home are many. They include reduced reliance on social housing and food banks, better educational, financial and employment outcomes and improved health and overall wellbeing for families.

For more information, please visit habitatgo.ca and habitat1000islands.org