Thank you for your support on World Habitat Day 2010!

Celebrated by the United Nations and international community since 1985, World Habitat Day is a time to reflect on the world's housing crisis and consider how our towns and cities are performing relative to the basic right to adequate shelter for all. The day is intended to remind us of our collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat.

Some points to consider surrounding Canada's housing situation:

• In Canada, 1.3 million families are in need of decent, affordable housing.
• Those who live in what economists describe as "core housing need" have an average household income of under $20,000 — nearly 75 per cent below the national average.
• Federal support of affordable housing has been in decline. Responsibilities have been shifted to the provinces, which have in turn offloaded them on municipalities, most of which lack the tax base and budgets to support significant housing initiatives.
• In March 2010, Miloon Kothari, the United Nations' special rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, released a report that found Canada to be in urgent need of a "comprehensive and coordinated national housing policy."
• Of the countries that make up the G8, Canada is the only one that lacks a national housing strategy.
  
  Click here to view our World Habitat Day Globe and Mail insert.
  

  

  Here are some examples of how WHD was celebrated by Habitat for Humanity in Canada:

  HFH Canada
  Ran a two-page insert in the Globe and Mail to raise awareness surrounding the Canadian housing crisis and the work of Habitat for Humanity Canada and its 73 affiliates. The insert also recognized the contributions made by Habitat for Humanity Canada's multi-year donors.

  HFH Winnipeg
  Launched their High Schools for Habitat (for Humanity) program, aiming to encourage high school students and their communities to foster social consciousness by developing an awareness of Habitat for Humanity. The program also aims to encourage cooperative involvement through educational, volunteering and fundraising opportunities.

  HFH Toronto
  Neil Hetherington, CEO of HFH Toronto, was joined by Stewart Hardacre, President and CEO of HFH Canada and others in the ringing of the opening bell at the Toronto Stock Exchange. Following this, Neil Hetherington and guests met at City Hall for a flag raising ceremony to commemorate WHD. At dusk, the CN Tower was lit with Habitat for Humanity colours.

  HFH Brantford
  Raffled a one of a kind hand-made Habitat charm bracelet. They also set-up an informational display within their community to share information about World Habitat Day, Habitat for Humanity and housing need in Canada.

  HFH Calgary
  Held a luncheon for corporate donors/sponsors, featuring keynote speaker Ken King, President and CEO of the Calgary Flames, who spoke about the value of corporate contributions and their impact on the health of communities. The event helped inform about the importance of World Habitat Day, as well as served as an appreciation event for corporate support.