When we think of “home,”words such as family,security, warmth andhappiness come to mind.

But for many – too many – the word “home” conjures up different memories and emotions.

For those people,home means makingunjust and unreasonable choices.

The choice between shelterand other necessities of lifeis a choice no oneshould have to make.

These daily decisionsare painful, personaland often hidden.

helps ensure that familieshave another choice.

Through the work of our staff, volunteers, donors and supporters, Habitat enriches people’s lives in many miraculous ways.

In fact, as housing needs are addressed, lives are transformed,communitiesare strengthened,and livingconditions inCanada andaroundthe worldimprove.

After all, housing is an issue that affects us all.

When decent, affordable housing is available, people are healthier, happier,strongerand moreproductive.

With a suitable, affordable home, families form a strong basefrom which to upgradeskills, find and keepemployment, joina neighbourhoodand ultimately giveback to theircommunities.

Having a home is a transformativeexperience andHabitat for Humanityhas seen thesetransformationsover and overagain.

When families have more control over their lives, children are happier anddo better in school. Grades go up, children’s healthimproves,and they’rebetter able toconcentrateand experiencethe joys of life.

Parents’ lives are enhancedwhen they’re given a hand up through their Habitat for Humanity partnership.

They learn new skills and they become more productive members of their community and country.

When Habitat for Humanity forms a partnership with families,a door opens to hope and possibility.

Habitat for Humanity does more than build houses – we build homes.

We do so in ways that bring people together, give them hope,make communities stronger and redefine the true meaning of home.

HABITAT VALUES:Housing for All Human DignityPartnershipFaith in ActionDiversity and Inclusiveness

Housing for All: We believe that access to safe,decent and affordable housing isa basichumanright thatshould beavailableto all.

Human Dignity: We believe in the worth and dignity of every human being. We respect the people we serve and those that help us in this effort.People are ourgreatest resource.

Partnership: We believe we canbest achieve our mission through meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships with others.

Faith in Action: We believe that faith is lived through action. We serve and work with people of all faiths and beliefs in a spirit of justice and compassion.

Diversity and Inclusiveness: We believe there is a role for everyone committed to our vision, mission and values, and we seek to enrich our organization through diversity.

VISIONHabitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex is a non-profit, faith-based organization working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.

MISSIONOur mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership asa means to breaking the cycle of poverty.

Habitat for HumanityWindsor-Essex is one of 72 Canadian affiliates and has built 49 homesin Essex County since its inception in 1994.

Habitat for HumanityWindsor-Essex is building its 50th home this fall. It is both a First Nations Build and an Energy Star Build.

Through volunteer labour and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds simple, decent houses. Homes are built by volunteers, under experienced supervision, alongside partner families.

Other partners in Habitat for Humanity include corporations, labour organizations, individuals,groups,schoolsand localbusinesses.

Habitat forHumanity isnot a give-awayprogram.In additionto mortgage payments, each homeownerinvests hundreds of hours of their own labour, called "sweat equity,” into the building of their house and the houses of others.

Over time,a family’sequity intheir homeincreases.Habitatfamiliesoften seean improvement in their financial situation since the percentage of their income being spent on house payments remains at 25%.

The benefits of Habitat extend to everyone. Habitat build projects offer an opportunity for community members, from all walks of life and all skill levels, to come together and work side by side in a meaningful way.

Volunteers are fundamentalto the successof Habitat’sefforts and are needed during builds and throughoutthe year.

Volunteers comefrom all walks of life and range from inexperienced but willing helpers to highly-skilled people. There’s a place for all skill levels at Habitat.

Volunteers are needed year-round at Habitat for Humanity’sReStore.

Monies generatedthrough the Habitat ReStorehelp fund critical operating and building costs, allowing affiliates to build more homes and help more families in their local community.

In addition to generatingawareness and fundingfor Habitat for Humanity,the Habitat ReStore isalso an environmentalsteward.

Habitat ReStores divert and recycle building products destined for landfill...this includes return-to-vendor merchandise from large retailers, building products and materials from residential demolitions as well as consumer and corporate used products.

DONORS LIKE YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE The generous donations Habitat for Humanity receives allow us to change lives by helping put more families into decent, affordable homes.

Reaching our goals would notbe possible without the significant financial contributions from our corporate, private and governmental partners.

On behalf of all the familieswho benefit from Habitat’s work,we thank our donors for their inspiring support.

Tithing: Like all Habitat for Humanity affiliates, Windsor-Essex gives 10% of unrestricted donations to fund Habitat building in under-developed and neglected areas and countries.

“I have learned that no matterwhere you come from or what you do, everyone wants the samething – a home to call their own.Given a warm, safe home in whichto sleep, and decent access to good food and clean water, then possibly this would be a much more peaceful planet.” ~Global Village Canada Volunteer

3064 Devon Drive, Windsor, Ontario N8X 4L2(519) 969-3762www.habitatwindsor.org