Habitat for Humanity International statement on Habitat Edmonton
ATLANTA – RealEstateRama – Adrienne Goolsby, Habitat for Humanity International’s senior vice president, U.S. and Canada, issued the following statement regarding an ongoing dispute between Habitat for Humanity Edmonton and families in its homeownership program.
“Habitat for Humanity International expects that all families who partner with Habitat are treated with fairness and respect. Since learning of this dispute in October, we have engaged our colleagues at Habitat Edmonton with the expectation that they reach an appropriate solution with the families involved in this matter. We remain highly concerned they have not reached agreement with all affected families.
“The vast majority of Habitat homeowners in North America receive title at the time of occupancy. Additionally, we feel any change to Habitat Edmonton’s mortgage terms should have applied only to future applicant families, not those already enrolled in the homeownership program.
“Local Habitat affiliates operate at the direction of their own leadership under the oversight of their own boards of directors, using the Habitat name through an affiliation agreement. Habitat for Humanity International has asked Habitat Edmonton to seek the appointment of an independent mediator to work with the affected families and Habitat Edmonton to achieve a fair and reasonable solution in this matter. We have also asked Habitat Edmonton to delay further actions with the families until the mediation process can take place.”
About Habitat for Humanity
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org
