Dozens of Ottawa-area veterans and volunteers donned their hard hats and safety boots in support of Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa's third annual Veteran Build Day on November 8.

Sponsored by Lockheed Martin Canada, the Veteran Build Day encourages Canadian Veterans, active duty military members and reserve members to volunteer on the Habitat Greater Ottawa build site and share in a unique experience while helping local families to find strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.

"It is inspiring to see the incredible work being done by Canadian Veterans who take part in the Veteran Build Day. Every volunteer hour they provide creates local impact while supporting families with a strong foundation in a stable, long-term affordable home," says Alexis Ashworth, CEO of Habitat Greater Ottawa. "Our model of affordable homeownership bridges a gap for working families in need of affordable housing by providing them with the opportunity to purchase their own Habitat home and build a better future for their family."

This year's Veteran Build Day took place at Leacross Landing in Ottawa’s east end. The development is Habitat Greater Ottawa's largest undertaking to date and will consist of 16 townhomes upon its completion in 2020. Seven of the units are already complete and families moved in this past spring.

“We need to make sure that people have an affordable place to live,” said Matthew Luloff, Councillor Orléans Ward, and a Canadian Forces veteran. “I think that affordability in Orléans is something that we’ve been quite obsessed with and coming out today to help the crew means a lot as the new Council Liaison for Veteran and Military Issues for the City of Ottawa.”
 
"When the opportunity came up for Lockheed Martin Canada to partner with Habitat Greater Ottawa for an annual Military and Veteran Build Day, it was a natural fit and one that our employees have truly embraced," says Janice Menezes, Chief Financial Officer at Lockheed Martin Canada. "Our team looks forward to the build day each year. This investment is an incredible opportunity to give back to our community, strengthen our support and connect with Canadian military and Veterans."

The first Veteran Build Day was held in November 2017 and attracted more than 25 Veterans and active-duty military to help build four homes. Habitat Greater Ottawa is also a proud partner of Wounded Warriors Canada, a national mental health charity that's mission is to honour and support our ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, First Responders and their families.

"I cannot emphasize enough the importance and value of volunteers to the work of Habitat Greater Ottawa", says Steve Beverley, Director of Construction at Habitat Greater Ottawa. "We are honoured to have our local Veterans back on the build site again this year. It is a great teambuilding exercise. It gives people a chance to be involved in building something real. You're building a home for a family that will change their lives forever."

A recent study conducted by the Boston Consulting Group shows that there are significant benefits to society as a result of Habitat families having access to affordable homeownership. On average, Habitat generates $175,000 of benefits to society per home. These benefits come in the form of reduced reliance on social housing and food banks, better educational and employment outcomes and improved health.

Habitat Greater Ottawa will break ground on its next build at Wateridge Village in the spring of 2020. It will consist of an eight-unit stacked townhome centrally located on the former Rockcliffe Airbase, in a growing neighbourhood, close to amenities. Two of the units are accessible, and Habitat Greater Ottawa will be looking to partner with families with accessibility needs for these homes. Applications are now open for the 2020 development. Visit www.habitatgo.ca for more information.