Habitat for Humanity Northumberland’s inaugural Habitat in Action Week brought together businesses, volunteers, families, donors, community leaders and residents from across Northumberland County for six days of learning, building, volunteering and community connection.
Designed to showcase the many ways Habitat strengthens communities beyond building homes, the week invited people of all ages and backgrounds to experience Habitat’s mission through hands-on activities, educational workshops, community conversations and volunteer opportunities.
Over the course of the week, more than 250 people participated in Habitat in Action through workshops, volunteer experiences, community events, ReStore activities and the community celebration, demonstrating that there are countless ways to support affordable housing and strengthen our community.
Throughout the week, corporate teams traded the boardroom for meaningful community service, assembling products to be sold in the ReStore, preparing materials for Critical Home Repairs, supporting ReStore operations while working alongside Habitat staff and volunteers. Families introduced their children to building through Little Builders workshops, women gained confidence using power tools while creating their own projects, and shoppers visited the ReStore during the community celebration and 50% off sale.
One of the week’s highlights was Building Stronger Communities: A Community Conversation About Housing in Northumberland, where a large group of community members gathered to explore today’s housing challenges from both a national and local perspective. Habitat for Humanity Canada Senior Director of Programs Stacey Sawchuk and Habitat Northumberland CEO Cathy Borowec led a thoughtful discussion on the changing face of housing in Canada, the unique challenges facing seniors, women and Indigenous communities, and the innovative ways Habitat continues to adapt to meet those needs. One of the evening’s biggest takeaways was the number of attendees who discovered that Habitat’s work extends well beyond building new homes, with Critical Home Repairs and Market Repairs helping people remain safely and independently in the homes they already have.
Another popular event featured local furniture refinishing expert Erika from Flipping Beautiful, who inspired participants to see the hidden potential in everyday furniture and décor found at the Habitat ReStore. Through practical demonstrations, design ideas and plenty of hands-on learning, attendees discovered how creativity, sustainability and a fresh perspective can give new life to forgotten treasures.
Throughout Habitat in Action Week, the community also embraced Habitat’s Donation Blitz, helping divert quality items from landfill while supporting the ReStore and Habitat’s affordable homeownership and home repair programs. Together, volunteers, workshop participants, shoppers, donors and sponsors demonstrated that building
stronger communities happens in many different ways.
“Habitat in Action was about opening our doors and inviting the community to experience Habitat in a different way,” said Cathy Borowec, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Northumberland.
“Whether someone volunteered, attended a workshop, participated in a conversation, donated to the ReStore or simply stopped in to learn more, they became part of something bigger. The week reminds us all that building stronger communities happens in many different ways, and everyone has a role to play.”
The success of Habitat in Action Week was made possible through the generous support of local businesses and community partners who believe in building stronger communities. Habitat for Humanity Northumberland gratefully acknowledges Stadtke Plumbing & Heating Ltd., Part-Time CFO Services Inc., Lakefront Utility Services
Inc., Canada Pallet, Spoolon Manufacturing Ltd., and Linmac for helping make this inaugural event possible.
Habitat for Humanity Northumberland hopes Habitat in Action will become an annual tradition, continuing to bring people together to volunteer, learn, build and strengthen communities across Northumberland County.
To learn more about Habitat’s programs, volunteer opportunities or Critical Home Repairs, visit www.habitatnorthumberland.ca.
About Habitat for Humanity Northumberland
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
Founded in 1998, Habitat for Humanity Northumberland is one of 44 local Habitats working in Canada and part of the not-for-profit network of Habitat active in more than 70 countries worldwide.
Families and individuals in need of a hand up, partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home.
Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.
Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help in Habitat’s work.
Through shelter, we empower.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
