Students in Burlington, Milton, Halton Hills team with Habitat for Humanity to build tiny homes for Indigenous community
Published November 3, 2021 at 4:27 pm
Students at three Halton high schools are earning school credit while helping provide homes to Indigenous communities.
As part of the vision to provide a world where everyone has a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin (Habitat HMD), in partnership with the Halton District School Board, announced the launch of its distinctive Tiny Home pilot program.”
“Students from Georgetown District High School, Milton District High School, and M.M. Robinson High School in Burlington are fortunate to be involved in the building of these homes,” said Wade Richardson OYAP, Pathways and Technological Education coordinator with the HDSB.
“Through this project, students will learn many aspects of construction while working with Habitat to understand societal needs and real-world solutions to those problems. This is a rare opportunity for students to grow as individuals and members of society, learning about community needs and how Habitat for Humanity is working to help others.”
Habitat’s Indigenous Housing Partnership connects and works alongside Indigenous communities to provide a foundation for families to thrive.
The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation will work in conjunction with Habitat HMD and Habitat Grey Bruce to establish affordable housing options for Indigenous community members.
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Habitat HMD’s role as the builder will bring together skilled trades students, corporate partners and the community to help us build five tiny homes — two serving as emergency shelters and three to provide affordable housing solutions for individuals and small families.
The Tiny Home Village will be fully site serviced and operated by the Chippewas community as part of their housing strategy to increase their available housing stock.
“As an organization that builds homes, Habitat is known for putting a spotlight on community needs and community-based solutions,” said Hugh Hyndman, Board Chair, Habitat HMD. “The Tiny Home demonstration project is a unique opportunity to pilot an innovative housing solution with a First Nations Community.”
More than 100 students in secondary school skilled trades classes will have hands-on experience of building units designed by True North Tiny Homes Inc. as part of the high school curriculum.
By engaging youth, Habitat HMD is educating young people about the need for affordable housing, empowering them to take action in their communities, and providing them with the opportunity to gain real-life work experience under the instruction of trained industry professionals.
Chief Veronica Smith comments on the partnership with Habitat, “The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation is excited about the work we are doing through our Habitat ‘Indigenous Housing’ Partnerships who help us to meet family needs in the community,” said Chief Veronica Smith.
“Not only are we building affordable homes in our community using innovation and state-of-the-art design, but we are also providing hands-on training for students in the housing and construction trades. We appreciate the dedication and skills coming to our First Nation; building lasting relationships and sharing in cultural exchanges at the same time.”
To learn more about Habitat HMD’s Tiny Home Pilot and how individuals and brands can get involved, visit their website.
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