Volunteers Complete Key Habitat for Humanity Home in Thunder Bay

A newly constructed home at 908 Alexandra St. in Thunder Bay was the site of significant volunteer activity on Wednesday, as members of the Thunder Bay Real Estate Board (TBREB) collaborated with Habitat for Humanity volunteers to finalize preparations for the property. This event marked the “build day” for Habitat for Humanity’s only home project in the area for 2023.

According to Todd Davis, chief executive officer of Thunder Bay’s Habitat for Humanity, the project faced some delays but is projected to be completed by the end of November 2023. The residence will provide housing for a single mother and her two children, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to addressing local housing needs.

Community Engagement and Corporate Support

Davis highlighted the importance of corporate involvement in Habitat projects. “Habitat is a social enterprise, so having businesses and organizations come out to help us build homes is vital,” he stated. “We want to get the community involved, and volunteer participation is paramount for Habitat, as it is all about giving back.”

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore plays a crucial role in financing the organization’s operations. “When people donate to the ReStore, that money doesn’t necessarily go directly to the building process,” Davis explained. “Most of it contributes to our operating costs. Financial donations are critical for actual builds, as we ensure that these funds go directly to the construction efforts.”

Throughout the construction process, local tradespeople often volunteer their skills. “Sometimes we cover the cost of supplies while they provide services for free, such as electrical work,” Davis added. “It can be costly to build a home nowadays, so we are grateful for any support we receive, and we issue tax receipts for donations.”

Real Estate Board’s Involvement

Karen Hill, vice-president of the Thunder Bay Real Estate Board, donned work boots and a hard hat as she participated in the construction efforts on Wednesday. “We try to volunteer in the community as much as possible, and when the opportunity arose, we were excited to make this part of what we call Realtors Care Week,” Hill remarked.

Hill noted that realtors across Canada are participating in Realtors Care Week, contributing their time to various community projects. “This year, we chose the Habitat build because we believe it’s essential for businesses to engage in initiatives like this, especially given the ongoing housing crisis. By working together, we can help ensure that everyone has a home,” she stated.

Looking ahead, Habitat for Humanity plans to construct a triplex at 830 Simpson St. next year, which will provide homes for three families, furthering their mission to alleviate housing shortages in the region.