$124K Trillium grant helps Habitat for Humanity buy vital equipment

A $124,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation has helped the local Habitat for Humanity organization buy some vital equipment for its ReStore outlet.

The purchases were highlighted during a recent visit to the charitable organization from Sault MPP Ross Romano, who praised Habitat and its non-profit home improvement retail store which was able to acquire a used box truck, a forklift, three-in-one hand trucks and a metal platform truck for its donation centre.

“Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie and Area does incredible work in our community," Romano said.

You can find more information in the following Habitat for Humanity news release:

On Monday, MPP Ross Romano was at ReStore and met with representatives from Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie and Area (HFHSSMA) to see the equipment purchased with a $124,000 Capital grant, awarded by the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The grant, awarded in late 2022, was used to buy new equipment for the ReStore.

“Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie and Area does incredible work in our community. Their Affordable Homeownership Program and the Habitat ReStore provide opportunities for low-income families to achieve home ownership,” said Ross Romano, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie.

“This investment of $124,000 by the Ontario government through the Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Fund will support the ReStore and its continued growth.”

Since receiving the OTF grant in late 2022, Habitat for Humanity has been able to purchase a used box truck, a forklift, as well as three-in-one hand trucks and a metal platform truck for the Donation Centre.

“We’re grateful for these funds and for this opportunity presented by OTF. This equipment will provide our staff and volunteers with the tools necessary to safely pick up donations around the community and serve customers at the ReStore. The grant will help us recover from the impacts of the pandemic by strengthening ReStore operations and growing revenues to assist with building affordable housing,” states Derek Paquin, director of operations.

“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”

Founded in 2002, HFHSSMA is a non-profit charitable housing organization that believes everyone deserves a decent place to live. HFHSSMA strives to mobilize and work with the community to help local families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.

They bring the community together to help local families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. For further information, visit HabitatSault.ca

The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.