Habitat for Humanity Canada is a 3-star charity with fair demonstrated impact. It has an A Results Reporting grade, which is above average. For every dollar donated to the charity, 75 cents are available to go to the cause, which is within Ci's reasonable range.

Founded in 1986, Habitat for Humanity Canada (Habitat Canada or HFHC) helps low-income families access affordable housing across Canada. It is a member of Habitat for Humanity International and shares its global vision statement: a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat Canada collects fees from its 46 affiliates and grants money to its affiliates to build homes in their local areas.

In August 2023, Habitat Canada ran a survey of 1,505 Canadians. The charity states that 61% of Canadians aged 18-34 are concerned about their ability to pay their mortgage or rent. 49% of respondents spend over half of their household income on housing, and 92% believe there is an affordable housing shortage.

In F2023, Habitat for Humanity Canada spent $18.4m on its programs and grants. Habitat Canada has two core programs: Homeownership and Indigenous Partnerships.

Homeownership represented 91% ($16.6m) of program costs in 2023. With the help of volunteers, local Habitat charities build and renovate affordable homes, from single-family houses to multi-unit developments. People who live in the homes pay a mortgage no more than 30% of the family’s gross household income. Homeowners are also required to volunteer 500 hours with Habitat Canada. To qualify for homeownership, applicants must be: in need of better housing, willing to partner with Habitat, and able to make affordable mortgage payments. In 2023, 737 people from 192 families partnered with Habitat and joined the Homeownership program. Over 2,500 families across Canada are currently a part of Habitat’s Homeownership program. 47% of families are women-led, single-parent households, 21% of families have a member with a physical or mental disability, 12% of families have at least one member who is a recent immigrant, 13% of families have at least one Indigenous member, and 11% of families identify as Black. The charity reports that at least 20% of Habitat homes built through CMHC’s National Housing Co-investment Fund will meet or exceed the federal government’s accessibility criteria. As of 2023, 68 accessible Habitat homes have been built, with an additional 134 slated for or under construction.

Indigenous Partnerships represented 5% ($922k) of program costs in 2023. According to Statistics Canada, 16% of Indigenous people live in a dwelling that needed major repairs. Habitat Canada launched the Indigenous Housing Partnership in 2007. Habitat Canada’s Partnership program focuses on housing rehabilitation, water and sanitation infrastructure, emergency shelter through Tiny Homes, Indigenous skills training, capacity building with First Nation communities, and support for local Habitats to house Indigenous families. Habitat Canada reports Habitat for Humanity Hamilton is building a five-unit townhouse in partnership with Six Nations of the Grand River.

The remaining 4% of program costs went toward International Development.

ReStore: Habitat for Humanity Canada purchases products from the liquidators at less than fair market value and transfers the purchased products to the local Habitat affiliates for selling in ReStores or use in the construction of houses. Habitat Canada has 106 ReStores throughout the country.

The charity did not report the total number of homes built in 2023.

Habitat for Humanity Canada received $10.0m in Canadian donations in 2023. The charity also received $10.8m in donated goods in kind, which is 30% of revenue, and $6.4m in government funding, which is 18% of revenue. Habitat Canada spent $18.4m on its grants and programs, which is 74% of revenue excluding goods in kind. In 2023, Habitat Canada recorded a surplus of $792k, which is 2% of revenue.

Administrative costs are 3% of revenue (less investment income). Fundraising costs are 22% of donations. For every dollar donated to the charity, 75 cents are available to go to the cause, which is within Ci’s reasonable range.

Habitat Canada has $2.5m in reserve funds (cash and investments less interest-bearing debt). Its reserves can cover 14% or less than two months of its annual program costs.

In F2023, Habitat Canada took over Habitat for Humanity Wood Buffalo’s property and mortgages. The property and equipment have a value of $1.5m. Habitat Canada recorded the $1.5m as revenue but did not report it as a separate line item on the operating statement. As such, Ci was unable to make the appropriate adjustment. Habitat Canada’s surplus is inflated by $1.5m.

Charity Intelligence has sent this update to Habitat for Humanity Canada for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on June 14, 2024 by Liam Chapleau.