Black families find new homes through Habitat for Humanity in Brampton

The dream of affordable homeownership has come true for two families in Brampton thanks to a program helping find affordable units for Canada’s Black community.

“For the first time, we have a home that suits our needs, and it genuinely feels like the future is more promising,” said Nikesha, one of the two families who received keys to their new homes last week.

The properties are part of the Daniels Corporation’s Olivia Marie Gardens development in Brampton in partnership with Habitat for Humanity GTA and the BlackNorth Initiative, a group dedicated to ending systemic anti-Black racism and removing barriers impacting Black Canadians.

Nikesha, Fernando, and their daughter Florissa got the keys to their new home Thursday.

A credit analyst and former volunteer with Habitat, Nikesha said her experiences helping others encouraged her to apply for a home through the BlackNorth Initiative’s Homeownership Bridge Program.

“Our family is excited to create memories in our new home, make new friends, and continue being part of this wonderful city we are thankful to call home,” she said.

Peel Region took the BlackNorth pledge in 2021 to eliminate anti-Black racism and systemic barriers negatively affecting the Black community. Dahabo Ahmed-Omer, CEO of the BlackNorth Initiative, says the move-ins mark “a monumental step forward in our mission to dismantle systemic barriers and forge equitable opportunities for Black Canadians.”

“The Homeownership Bridge Program is more than just providing homes; it’s about building a foundation for stability, security, and future success,” Ahmed-Omer said in a release.

The Olivia Marie Gardens 2 housing development in Brampton. (Photo: Daniels Corporation)

Affordable housing supply is low in Brampton, with Mayor Patrick Brown and housing advocates saying the city is in a crisis.

But groups like Habitat are working to help dozens of Brampton families find housing at two new affordable housing developments at 25 William Street and 1425 Countryside Drive in Brampton.

The units will be family-sized homes, and a contribution agreement between Brampton and the charity will ensure the new cost-effective units will stay affordable “for a period of not less than 25 years,” according to a report.

Habitat says 25 William Street will have three- or four-bedroom, two-bathroom suites with between 1,380 and 1,530 square feet of living space. Many applicants are already approved for the William Street development while the Countryside Drive project is still in the planning stages.

The funding comes through the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund which gave Brampton more than $114 million to kick-start housing projects in the city, and part of the deal with Habitat includes a request from Brampton City Council that current residents and families in Brampton are given priority when moving into the new developments.

Other Brampton projects funded through the federal Housing Accelerator Program include $18 million for a 150-unit affordable housing development and $300,000 in funding to Armagh House – a non-profit group with a focus on transitional supportive housing for women and families.