Habitat for Humanity’s Ottawa chapter has a new name and expanded geographical area.
Effective the end of July, Habitat for Humanity National Capital Region will be renamed Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa (GO), Habitat GO’s chief executive officer Alexis Ashworth told the charity’s annual general meeting on June 23.
This will allow the organization to serve a wider territory, with additional chapters in Carleton Place, Perth, Renfrew, Arnprior and Hawksbury, she said.
The organization, which provides low-cost home ownership opportunities through geared-to-income no-downpayment mortgages and sweat equity, has seen a surge of building activity as its resources and opportunities increase, with partnerships for special aboriginal and women’s builds.
The 2014 fund-raising highlight was the Blitz Build in co-operation with the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association and Algonquin College, where volunteers constructed a home that later was sold – raising $270,000 for Habitat for Humanity.
Overall, she said volunteers contributed 21,193 hours on job sites, at the two Habitat ReStores, in the office and in community/fund raising initiatives.
Treasurer Chris Jerome presented a financial report indicating that Habitat for Humanity’s resources are improving.
ReStore sales of used and recycled building materials increased to $1.1 million. However, these were offset to some degree by increased expenses, as the organization relocated its east-end location to 768 Belfast Rd. from its previous address on Walkley rd.
“The big increase last year was unrestricted donations, that increased $274,000 to $614,246.
Overall, revenues of $1,043,472 exceeded expenses by $208,724. The financial statements indicate Habitat GO’s overall net assets increased to $3,744,926 from $3536,202.
Ken Merkley of Merkley Supply Ltd. continues as chair in 2015-2016. Lawyer Jonathan Solomon replaced Elizabeth Maiden as director.
Other board members are: Richard Lauzon, secretary, Chris Jerome, treasurer, and directors Kevin Barwin, Neel Bhatt, Roberto Campagna, Gord Erskine, Janice Menzies, Donna Miller, Richard Poole, Elizabeth Rae, Robert Ridley, Magda Seydegart, Anne Van Delst and Bruce Wolfgram.
