City Life magazine respectfully acknowledges that the City of Vaughan is situated in the Territory and Treaty 13 lands of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We also recognize the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and the Haudenosaunee. The City of Vaughan is currently home to many First Nations, Métis and Inuit people today. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work and live in this territory.

The pandemic has reinforced the urgency of addressing the deep inequalities across our society, bringing the affordable housing crisis in Canada to the forefront. As part of the vision to provide a world where everyone has a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin (Habitat HMD) has announced the launch of its distinctive Tiny Home pilot program. 

With more than 75 years of banking history, Meridian is Ontario’s largest credit union and second largest in Canada, helping to grow the lives of more than 360,000 members. On November 2, 2022, Meridian announced its $100,000 title sponsorship with Habitat HMD, working alongside skilled-trades students and Indigenous communities to build and establish affordable housing options. 

Founded in 1999 as Habitat for Humanity Halton, the organization merged with Habitat for Humanity Mississauga in 2015. In 2021, Habitat Halton-Mississauga expanded its service area to include Dufferin County. Working with individual donors, government, corporate, community and construction partners — and channelling the selfless dedication of legions of volunteers — Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin is innovatively providing affordable housing solutions for the communities it serves. It is part of Habitat for Humanity Canada — a national charitable organization working toward a world where everyone has a decent and affordable place to call home. Nationally and internationally, Habitat for Humanity brings communities together to help families build strength, stability and independence through affordable shelter. 

“The Tiny Homes Pilot Program is an exciting and unique initiative helping to accelerate economic reconciliation and youth community activism and aligns with Meridian’s interest in supporting community-based affordable housing solutions,” says Jay-Ann Gilfoy, president & CEO, of Meridian. “Our corporate partnership with Habitat is the outcome of an imaginative combination, which brought together Meridian volunteers, Indigenous community members and students.”

Habitat for Humanity’s new Tiny Homes Program was brought to Meridian’s attention by an employee, at the suggestion of her teen daughter who took a construction course at one of the participating schools. Together, they inspired a group of Meridian employees to volunteer for a community-based tiny-house build. Recognizing the opportunity to do more, the voice of one 15-year-old high school student prompted Meridian’s formal involvement as a sponsor to expand the pilot.

“We are providing hands-on training for students in the housing and construction trades,” says Chief Veronica Smith, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nations. “We appreciate the dedication and skills coming to our First Nation, building lasting relationships and sharing in cultural exchanges at the same time.”

Habitat for Humanity continues to make affordable housing a reality for more people, but the charity cannot do it alone. With the help of organizations, like Meridian, they can make a difference. Not only is Habitat increasing the number of people who will have a safe, decent and affordable place to call home, but also, by partnering with local school boards, they are able to empower students to take action in their communities.

Join Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin in creating a stronger future for families, communities and the country through affordable housing today. 

www.habitathm.ca