Danielle Ribeiro from Great.com interviewed the Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward Island (Habitat PEI) as part of their ‘Great.com Talks With…’ podcast. This series is an antidote to negative news stories that aims to shed light on organizations and experts whose work is making a positive impact on the world. 

Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward Island (Habitat PEI) stands as a beacon of hope for many Islanders, embodying a mission to eradicate housing insecurity through the power of community and compassion. With a focus on creating accessible and affordable housing solutions, Habitat PEI is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has a safe and decent place to call home.

Today, Pam Montgomery, the CEO, and Amanda Cyr, the Operations Manager of Habitat PEI talked with Great.com about how the organization operates under principles of partnership, sustainability, inclusivity, and volunteerism, ensuring that their work not only provides immediate relief but also contributes to long-term solutions for housing insecurity on Prince Edward Island.

Habitat for Humanity PEI’s programs are designed to address the diverse needs of Islanders struggling with housing affordability. Their Homeownership Program offers families and individuals the opportunity to become homeowners through a unique model. Instead of a traditional sale, Habitat homes are sold to families and financed with affordable mortgages. The mortgage payments are then cycled back into the organization’s fund to support future building projects, creating a sustainable loop of investment in the community.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of Habitat PEI, contributing thousands of hours each year to various aspects of the organization’s work. From swinging hammers at construction sites to staffing the Habitat ReStore, volunteers of all skill levels and backgrounds come together to support the mission of providing affordable homeownership opportunities. These dedicated individuals not only contribute their time and skills but also embody the spirit of community that is vital to Habitat’s success.

A pivotal element of Habitat PEI’s operations is the ReStore, a retail outlet that sells new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories, and building materials at reduced prices. The proceeds from ReStore sales are an essential source of funding for Habitat PEI’s building projects, making every donation and purchase a direct investment in the community. Additionally, the ReStore serves as a model for sustainability, diverting hundreds of tons of usable materials from landfills each year.

The impact of Habitat for Humanity PEI’s work extends far beyond the walls of the houses we build. By providing families with stable and affordable housing, the organization creates a ripple effect of positive change, empowering individuals to pursue their dreams and contribute to the well-being of their communities. From improved health outcomes to increased educational opportunities, the benefits of safe and decent housing are manifold, laying the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

Great.com is an organization aimed at solving the world’s most dire problem — global climate change. Starting in New Jersey, their mission is to take money from an otherwise harmful and greedy industry (online casinos) and move it towards a positive and good cause (solving the climate crisis). In addition to directly donating 100% of the revenue they earn in the casino industry, they also launch and manage fundraising campaigns to persuade casino entrepreneurs to donate. So far, they’ve generated over $2 million to climate research through their own donations and proceeds from their fundraising initiatives.