Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to bring communities together to help families build strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership. MCAP has been a proud supporter of the organization since 2000, helping to carry out this important mission. Thanks to their scale and network, MCAP, their partners and homeowners are able to help create meaningful impact in the lives of so many Canadians facing housing crises and insecurities.
Recently, MCAP connected with a partner family who is a recipient of a Habitat home in the Okanagan region in British Columbia. While Habitat for Humanity’s efforts benefit thousands of Canadians each year, the power in a single story is undeniable, demonstrating just how much their work – and the work of partners, volunteers, and donors – can change a family’s life.
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Making a difference for Canadians
Tamara and her five-year-old son will finally have a place to call home, having been selected to buy a Habitat home in the Okanagan region. Over the last five years, they have had to move five times for a variety of reasons. “At first, it was because I was leaving my partner and had to access temporary housing,” says Tamara. “Then, it was in an attempt to find reasonable rental prices, such as moving to Big White in the off season. I have been in the same rental for two years now, but it is a one bedroom due to financial constraints.”
The moves have caused immense strain on Tamara’s resources, including her energy, time, and money – and ultimately, they need a larger, long-term space. Rental rates for two-bedroom places in Kelowna are out of reach, particularly for a mom who is focusing on reacting to the pandemic, shifting her new and growing business around her son’s schedule, “all while allowing me to be fully present for him while we deal with the challenges of split parenting,” she says.
Being selected as a future Habitat homeowner has had a profound impact on Tamara’s life. While it has been a lot of work, it’s worth it. “I have worked almost 200 volunteer hours now with Habitat and the people are so warm, the service work is real, and it feels rewarding to know that each time I work a shift, my son is seeing me literally work for our home,” says Tamara. “It has grounded me and focused me, and I dream of being in our home often.”
Anyone can apply to become a Habitat homeowner, but they must be in need of housing, able to make affordable mortgage payments and be willing to actively partner with their local Habitat, including a commitment to complete 500 volunteer hours. For Canadians selected to become Habitat homeowners, their local Habitat will also help prepare them for the responsibilities of homeownership, which may include workshops on budgeting, home maintenance and more.
With the price of homes, it can be difficult for a lot of Canadians to find a secure, stable home they can own. “The Habitat program is a beautiful ‘hand up’,” says Tamara. “I think it is a very positive thing for any community.” She can’t wait to offer her son a space where he can be creative, do science experiments and bring his friends over for play dates. She is also looking forward to having a place where her far-away family can come and stay.
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“A responsibility to give back”
For mortgage broker Dean Larson, MCAP’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity offers a different kind of fulfillment. Dean and agents from Compass Mortgage Group, part of the Tango Financial Group of companies, participated in the build last year at Tamara’s site, compelled to do his part in creating healthy and vibrant communities in Canada. “We are fortunate to work in a thriving industry and also to be able to earn above average incomes,” says Dean. “When you realize that, you realize you have a responsibility to give back. We earn a living in an industry related to housing, so it makes sense to support a charity that helps people access housing. And anytime we can partner with one of our top lending partners, it just feels right.”
Compass Mortgage Group used the opportunity to not only make a difference in the community but also to work in some team building – something that had been lacking due to the isolation of the past two years. “It was the perfect way to give back for a good cause and spend some time with our co-workers and partners,” Dean says.
For MCAP, partnering with brokers who make a difference in their community is both meaningful and rewarding. “MCAP and mortgage brokers know that the core of any successful community is housing,” says Megan McDonald, VP Sales at MCAP. “We partner for the collective success of Canadian homeowners,” she says adding that brokers are always looking for ways to give back. MCAP’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity allows them to do just that.
MCAP also supports Habitat for Humanity through broker and employee donations, as well as programs such as Key to Hope, which offers MCAP homeowners the opportunity to support to Habitat for Humanity Canada directly through their mortgage payment. “We are honoured to partner with Habitat for Humanity as we share a common goal of helping Canadians realize homeownership and also giving back to those who need it most,” says Heather Baker, EVP Corporate Services at MCAP, adding that Habitat for Humanity’s incredible social effectiveness enables them to create four times the impact for every dollar donated, multiplying the effect that our contributions can have and creating a greater social impact
For future homeowners such as Tamara, the efforts of Habitat for Humanity, MCAP and their broker partners contribute to life-changing impact. “Home is a sanctuary where you can be all of you – the wretched and the glorious,” says Tamara. “It’s where you can feel quiet and still in a chaotic world. Home is a place that should feel nourishing and secure. I am so grateful for the chance to have Habitat as a partner.”
