Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Homes are built using volunteer labor and Habitat makes no profit on the sales. Families (new home owners) however benefit greatly from the assistance from Habitat for Humanity and bring a new definition to the meaning of home.
With Habitat for Humanities’ assistance they will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with volunteers building their own home. They will take part in financial management training to learn to balance the cost of utilities, mortgage, taxes etc.. They will own their own mortgage which will be geared to their income. They will have a safe, affordable home in which to raise their families and they will thrive.
A home can make a difference.
Each year, Habitat for Humanity Canada offers its affiliates a chance to take part in a nation-wide contest. It is called the Meaning of Home. Habitat for Humanity affiliates can choose to approach grades 4, 5 and 6 teachers in their local elementary schools to encourage their students to write a poem or an essay on the Meaning of Home.
What does home mean to them? It is an interesting challenge. Home can mean so many things both emotionally and physically. Teachers need to talk about these ideas and inspire critical thought. Teachers also need to guide their students in this writing exercise so that their words have the greatest impact.
The outcome is definitely worth the effort.
The winning 3 students each receive an iPad and a pizza party for their classes. The local affiliate Habitat for Humanity receives $30,000 for their upcoming build.
The 3 runner ups each receive a tablet and a pizza party for their classes. The local affiliate Habitat for Humanity receives $10,000 for their upcoming build.
Every student entry also secures $10 for the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate and this is also put toward the upcoming build. This is what one could call a win-win situation.
Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1976 and is the largest not-for-profit builder in the world. To-date, Habitat for Humanity operates in over 70 countries in the world bringing the true Meaning of Home to countless families.
Want to learn how you or your students can participate in the meaning of home? Contact us today!