2006 Annual Report

LEADERS BUILDING A NATION
We believe that our role goes beyond that of
homebuilder, and that’s why we are building
something just as imperative: a national
movement for affordable housing.
More than 1.5 million Canadians need affordable
housing right now, and 1 billion people around
the world are without a safe, decent place to
live. In Canada, housing costs continue to rise
while 5 million Canadians earn salaries below
the low income cut-off. For many hard-working
Canadians, homeownership seems to be an
impossible goal.
But we can do something about it.
• Canada is facing a national emergency
on poverty, welfare, homelessness and
housing (United Nations, 2006)
• Housing costs are the worst in a decade
(Royal Bank of Canada, 2006)
• Over 1 million Canadian households spend
more than half of their household income
on shelter costs (CMHC, 2006)
In May 2006, Habitat for Humanity Canada and
its national affiliates committed to a bold 5-year
strategic plan, Leaders Building a Nation, that
challenges our association to engage more
partners, reach new levels of efficiency and
effectiveness, and ultimately provide more
homes for families in need of a brighter future.
Our donors play a vital role in achieving this plan.
They donate funds and products, lend their time,
expertise and passion, all because they share our
vision of a world where every man, woman and
child has a safe place to call home. We celebrate
how far we have come together, and challenge
other leaders to step up with us and address one
of the most pressing social issues of our time.
LEADING THE WAY
“Whether it’s seeing the look on a family’s face when
they receive the keys to their new home or watching
the sweat pour off the brow of one of our associates,
every encounter with this wonderful organization has
brought me great pleasure. As the Chair of Habitat
Canada’s National President’s Council, I also urge
other CEO’s and Presidents to join me and countless
other business leaders to help support the great cause
of affordable housing. Through Habitat, we can help
thousands of people every year, one family at a time.”
Ms. Annette Verschuren
President, The Home Depot Canada & Asia
Chair, National President’s Council
Habitat for Humanity Canada
5