Guelph and District Association of REALTORS® Helps Build New Futures at Garafraxa Village
Local REALTORS® spent a hard day’s work with Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington to help create safe and affordable housing in Fergus, Ontario. The Guelph and District Association of REALTORS®’ (GDAR) passion for their community was on full display at their REALTORS Care® Day, which was the first of a trio of volunteerism-filled days for their members.
After nearly a year since its groundbreaking, Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington’s Garafraxa Village saw a team of 10 REALTOR® volunteers on-site for GDAR’s REALTORS Care® Day. This build project includes 32 stacked townhomes, 22 of which will be occupied by Habitat families in need of a safe and affordable place to call home. The remaining 10 units will be affordably priced and sold on the market, which allows for the organization to build to the greatest scale possible.
“Affordable housing is such a major part of any healthy community,” said Rob Voisin, REALTOR® and Salesperson with MV Real Estate Brokerage. “For our team to be able to contribute, it was a special opportunity.”
After a safety briefing, REALTOR® volunteers were hard at work framing one of these soon-to-be affordable homes and helping organize the build site. During their lunch, Habitat staff shared more on their affordable homeownership model, and the families who would be calling Garafraxa Village home. Volunteers also learned about Habitat’s community bonds, which gives investors the opportunity to support the organization’s mission through grassroots social financing.
GDAR’s REALTORS Care® Day was just the beginning of their impact at this development. On September 25 and 26, the association hosted two additional build days, offering even more opportunities for members to contribute their time and skills, and be part of the solution to Canada’s housing crisis. To facilitate these build days, a $10,000 donation was made, which will support Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington’s continued work at Garafraxa Village.
“Their [REALTOR® volunteers] dedication, hard work, and passion for giving back truly made an impact, bringing us closer to providing a safe and affordable home for a local family,” shared Karyn Boscariol, Director of Communications and Resource Development at Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington. “It’s inspiring to see professionals in the real estate community not just advocating for housing, but actively building it with their own hands. We are deeply grateful for their time, energy, and commitment to making a difference.”
Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington is committed to building 2000 homes by 2030. On top of their Fergus development, the organization is also beginning to build a six-storey development in Guelph, Ontario, that is set to produce 38 more units of affordable housing for Habitat families.
Habitat partners with families who cannot attain homeownership through conventional means and who are currently facing unsafe, unsuitable or unaffordable housing conditions. This homeownership model lets families pay what is affordable for their situation, allowing them to build equity while living in a suitable home.
GDAR looks to make an impact throughout Guelph and its surrounding communities all year long. REALTOR® volunteers have spent many hours supporting local shelter-related charities, serving breakfast at Hope House Guelph, setting up new furniture at Wyndham House Youth Centre, and packing food and wrapping gifts in support of local food banks.
