Manitoba Real Estate Association Helps Get 55 Families One Step Closer to Affordable Homeownership
More than 40 Manitoba REALTORS® traded in their “for sale” signs for steel-toed boots and hard hats, spending a day volunteering at Habitat for Humanity Manitoba’s Pandora Avenue West development. Habitat for Humanity Manitoba’s largest-ever build will be the home of 55 families starting in 2026.
REALTORS® in Manitoba are helping to make affordable homeownership a reality for low-income families. The Manitoba REALTORS® Shelter Foundation has established a partnership with Habitat for Humanity Manitoba, entitled REALTORS Care® About Habitat for Humanity, and pledged to raise $100,000 in 2024 to support the Pandora Avenue West project in Winnipeg.
To support this partnership, the Manitoba Real Estate Association organized more than 40 REALTOR® volunteers for a team build at the site for their 2024 REALTORS Care® Day. Throughout the day, REALTORS® spent their time putting up joisting, styrofoam, insulation, main beams and interior walls.
“As a REALTOR®, I’m involved with people’s homes on a daily basis,” explained Joel Green, Vice-Chair of the Manitoba REALTORS® Shelter Foundation, when asked about the potential impact of their partnership. “I see the opportunity to contribute to create a ripple effect, in fact a generational effect into the future, for our community.”
During their REALTORS Care® Day, Manitoba REALTORS® also learned about the people who will benefit from this build project. Habitat for Humanity Manitoba’s Pandora Avenue West development spans 11 blocks and will total 55 affordable townhomes. They will house approximately 275 people, including 175 children.
“Of course, we welcome all volunteers and all donors, but when we’re working with partners in the housing industry, it’s extra special,” shared Habitat for Humanity CEO, Jamie Hall. “It is wonderful to see this partnership where REALTORS®, who are an important part of our housing economy here in Manitoba, are taking part in helping build these affordable homes for low-income families.”
Habitat for Humanity Manitoba partners with working, lower income families and removes barriers to homeownership by providing a no down payment, no interest, renewable 15-year mortgage. Habitat families often see better outcomes, such as health and education for their children, thanks to the benefits of affordable housing.
The organization is also ensuring that this community can thrive, sustainably, for the long-term, as each Pandora Avenue West home is designed to be exceptionally energy efficient and, when completed, will have a carbon-free zero footprint. Through a collaboration agreement with Efficiency Manitoba, Habitat Manitoba is using construction methods that ensure these homes will be extremely efficient.
“Giving back to an organization such as Habitat for Humanity just totally brings into play everything we do as REALTORS®,” shared Winnipeg REALTOR® Rena Prefontaine. “To be able to do this build has just been inspiring and amazing for me.”
The Manitoba REALTORS® Shelter Foundation was created in 2008 and is governed by Manitoba REALTORS® in recognition that shelter is a vital component of their communities. Manitoba REALTORS® created the foundation to provide structured fundraising and philanthropy in support of Manitoba charities devoted to shelter-related causes.
REALTORS® across the province should be on the lookout for more opportunities to support the REALTORS Care® About Habitat for Humanity partnership, including at the upcoming Brian M. Collie golf tournament, where the foundation hopes to break the fundraising record of $25,000. Alternatively, Manitoba REALTORS® are invited to host their own events in support of Habitat for Humanity Manitoba, and this partnership.
