Mariyam Lightwala

Founded in 1988, Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is a nonprofit housing organization working toward a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. We mobilize communities to help working, lower income families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership. With the help of volunteers, donors, and community partners, we provide a solid foundation for better, healthier lives for families in the GTA. Since 1988, Habitat for Humanity GTA has built more than 360 homes for families, including over 1,300 children, in need of safe, decent, and affordable housing. Our houses are sold to partner families at no profit and are financed with affordable, no-interest mortgages that are geared to the family’s income level. In lieu of a down payment, Habitat homeowners volunteer 500 hours of sweat equity on our build sites and at our ReStores. Through our unique affordable homeownership model, we offer families a hand up, empowering them to build better lives for themselves and their children. In support of our homebuilding, Habitat for Humanity GTA operates retail home improvement stores called Habitat ReStore. Our 11 locations across the GTA sell new and used donated home furnishings, appliances, and renovation materials to the public at a fraction of the original price. Habitat ReStore collects donations from the community, and proceeds from sales help cover the cost to build homes for families.