NEWS RELEASE
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HALTON-MISSISSAUGA-DUFFERIN
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It’s that time of year again! Students in grades 4, 5 and 6 are invited to answer the question “What does home mean to you?” in our annual Meaning of Home writing contest. Until Feb. 21, every student who enters a poem or essay will help Habitat for Humanity HMD build safe and affordable homes. This year, our goal is over 850 student submissions across Halton Mississauga and Dufferin Region!
Access to safe and affordable housing continues to be a top priority for all Canadians, including children, who understand how it can provide their family with a place to pursue their dreams and build a better life. Our model of affordable homeownership helps families in need of housing to buy their own home through an affordable mortgage geared to income — helping them build a strong foundation and the financial stability to plan for their children’s futures.
“The Meaning of Home contest is a powerful way for young people to reflect on the importance of housing,” said Eden Grodzinski, CEO of Habitat for Humanity HMD. “Each entry not only raises critical funds for affordable housing but also deepens community understanding of how a safe, stable home can change lives.”
“Every child deserves a safe place to call home,” says Pedro Barata, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. “We know the positive impact housing has on children which is what we often see reflected in the contest entries. It’s why this contest is so meaningful and why we continue building and advocating for more affordable housing for all families.” Founded in 2007 by SagenTM 1, the Meaning of Home contest has raised over $2.7 million while encouraging thousands of students to become more active and compassionate citizens. Last year, close to 15,000 entries raised $327,000, helping families across Canada build a brighter future through affordable homeownership.
“We are very proud of this initiative as it continues to increase awareness about the need for affordable homeownership in Canada," said Stuart Levings, president and CEO, SagenTM. "It is rewarding to see our youth take great pride in their homes and families with words of hopes and dreams as they become more engaged in the well-being of their communities.”
Every local student who enters the contest will help Habitat for Humanity HMD build safe and affordable homes by earning a $10 donation to us in their name. Across Canada, three grand prize winners will also receive a $30,000 grant to help their local Habitat for Humanity build homes for families in need of affordable housing. In addition, nine runners-up will receive a $10,000 grant for their local Habitat for Humanity.
In 2024, Habitat for Humanity proudly announced the grand prize winners of the Meaning of Home writing contest, with two exceptional students from Burlington and Oakville among those honoured. Kashvi K. from Burlington earned the grade 4 grand prize for her inspiring entry, A Home is Not a House. Her award came with a $30,000 grant that directly supported Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin.
Additionally, Isla A. from Oakville was named the grade 4 runner-up for her heartfelt piece, H.O.M.E. Isla’s achievement brought a $10,000 grant to further Habitat HMD’s mission of building safe, affordable homes for families in need.
These young writers have made a lasting impact in their community, and their thoughtful words will help more families achieve the dream of homeownership.
Teachers or parents interested in having their grade 4, 5 or 6 students participate can access an educational module at meaningofhome.ca that includes writing tips and information on affordable housing issues in Canada. Entries can be submitted via mail or online. Winners will be announced by June 2025.
The Meaning of Home contest would not be possible without the generous support of founding sponsor SagenTM and awards sponsors Urban Systems Foundation and Face to Face Games.
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