Habitat for Humanity Hamilton and Heartland Create Innovative Housing for Families of the Six Nations of the Grand River

Habitat for Humanity Hamilton and Habitat for Humanity Heartland are partnering with the Six Nations of the Grand River to help bring Onondaga 1 to life through the Indigenous Housing Partnership. Onondaga 1 is an innovative five-unit housing project that aims to provide safe and affordable rental options for families within the Six Nations of the Grand River.

The Six Nations is the largest First Nations reserve in Canada and is made up of the Mohawk, Seneca, Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga and Tuscarora nations.

Andersen Corporation is supporting Habitat and the Six Nations of the Grand River by donating over 30 windows to the project, helping to enable the homes remain affordable. Andersen’s support reinforces the company’s commitment to supporting affordable housing access and closing the racial equity gap in housing.

While a lack of decent and affordable housing in Canada is an issue that affects many communities, the problems are disproportionately acute when it comes to Indigenous communities and families. As of February 2023, over 400 people of the Six Nations community sit on the wait list for housing.

Habitat for Humanity’s Indigenous Housing Partnership is an equitable partnership rooted in respect for Indigenous culture, helping deliver housing solutions by Indigenous communities for Indigenous communities. An important part of this initiative is providing skills and training opportunities to young Indigenous men and women to equip them with the trade skills they need to maintain and/or build new homes in their communities.

Corporate citizenship is one of Andersen’s core values and has been part of the company’s history since its founding 115 years ago. Andersen has a long-standing commitment to supporting programs that provide critical housing support in the communities in which employees live and work.

Andersen’s facility in Strathroy, Ontario, is located just over 120km from Grand River. The facility manufactures highly custom specialty windows and doors and currently employs 250 employees between production and office staff.

“Andersen firmly believes a stable home provides a foundation for families to thrive. Andersen Corporation is proud to partner with organizations like Habitat for Humanity Hamilton, Habitat for Humanity Heartland and the Six Nations of the Grand River to help Indigenous families access affordable housing,” said Anna Bosak, senior community relations and corporate giving manager at Andersen.

The five living spaces for families on Six Nations of the Grand River are scheduled to be finalized by the end of 2023.

Posted: July 3, 2023