Several Ontario affiliates were among the ten award winners recognized by Habitat for Humanity Canada during the national organization’s annual awards ceremony on May 22.

Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario, which serves the greater London region, earned the One Habitat award for integrating communications, operations and governance to serve more families in Canada and around the world. The affiliate helped to craft a Housing Stability Action Plan for London, and highlights global builds in their monthly newsletters, supports their local university’s Global Village builds and holds international fundraising events.

Two Ontario affiliates earned the Optimizing Performance award for finding new ways to advance Habitat’s mission of serving more families. Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region obtained several new, large-scale supply chain product donations to their ReStores and others across Canada, and plans to open a third local ReStore in an upscale neighbourhood.

Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North, meanwhile, improved sales tracking and reporting with a new point-of-sale system at its ReStore, as well as a new website and donor management system.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa earned two awards during the ceremony. The first, for mobilized leadership, was presented for the group’s work in doubling its build capacity and for engaging local Global Village volunteers to raise over $650,000. The second award, for raising Habitat for Humanity’s profile, was earned for the group’s work on reinvigorating its Women Build Program, exceeding its fundraising goals, and increasing community and volunteer engagement.

Finally, Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex earned the Sustainable Funding award for its work in pursuing new revenue streams and innovating to ensure growth. The affiliate partnered with local organizations to bring back to life a sustainable furniture bank to benefit two under-served populations: refugees and people experiencing homelessness.

“I’d like to congratulate all the winners of this year’s awards,” said Habitat for Humanity Canada president and CEO Julia Deans. “These awards showcase the exceptional work of local Habitats across Canada to further our mission by providing families with a decent and affordable place to call home.”