Habitat\u2019s model: Empowering families through affordable home ownership<\/p>\n
Habitat HMD\u2019s affordable home ownership model offers a hand up, not a handout. Families benefit from an affordable mortgage tailored to their income, with a secondary mortgage provided by Habitat HMD covering the difference between the discounted purchase price and fair market value, including a buy-back provision to ensure the units stay affordable in perpetuity.<\/p>\n
This approach ensures that no family initially allocates more than 30 per cent of their income toward housing costs \u2013 enabling them to save, invest in education and plan for the future with greater peace of mind.<\/p>\n
Habitat\u2019s model has a proven track record across Canada. After moving into their Habitat homes, families see household incomes rise 28 per cent higher than comparable renters, while health, education, and employment outcomes improve significantly. The result is an estimated $35 million in annual economic uplift compared to renting.<\/p>\n
Habitat HMD bridges the gap for families who aspire to home ownership but are hindered by unaffordable market prices. The organization prioritizes families who are willing to contribute 500 volunteer hours in the community, and are currently living in unsafe, unhealthy, or inadequate housing.<\/p>\n
Visit Habitat HMD\u2019s apply for a home<\/a> webpage to learn more or apply for these units.<\/p>\n Background<\/p>\n This innovative partnership is part of the City\u2019s efforts to make housing more affordable in Mississauga. Despite the ongoing housing market slowdown, the City has made significant strides since the Mayor\u2019s Housing Task Force<\/a> report was released in January 2025. This includes becoming one of the first municipalities in Ontario to reduce and\/or eliminate development charges for residential housing.<\/p>\n Other actions to improve access to affordable housing include:<\/p>\n The City\u2019s $44 million affordable rental housing incentive program, made possible through federal funding, offers financial incentives to help stimulate the creation of new affordable rental housing. The application window<\/a> for the second round of funding is open until February 13, 2026. The Region of Peel oversees the affordable housing system in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. Visit\u00a0housing and social support<\/a>\u00a0for information about the Region of Peel\u2019s services.<\/p>\n Quotes<\/p>\n \u201cAffordable home ownership is essential to a healthy and inclusive city. To tackle the housing affordability crisis, we must be willing to challenge the status quo. That means thinking creatively and trying new ideas. Partnering with Habitat HMD and developers like Edenshaw, is another way we can help more residents achieve their dream of owning a home right here in Mississauga.\u201d \u2013 Carolyn Parrish, Mayor, City of Mississauga<\/p>\n \u201cHousing affordability requires new ways of thinking and genuine collaboration. This partnership demonstrates that by coming together, we can deliver tangible solutions for families and create a more balanced housing system. We\u2019re honoured to see the City of Mississauga and Edenshaw play a role in helping local families keep the dream of home ownership alive.\u201d \u2013 Eden Grodzinski, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin<\/p>\n At Edenshaw, we believe every development should strengthen the community it\u2019s built in. We are proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity HMD and the City of Mississauga to help build strong communities and create opportunities for all homeowners to connect and succeed, while playing a role in making home ownership more accessible. \u2013 Oscar Piovesan, Chief Operating Officer, Edenshaw Developments Limited<\/p>\n About Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin<\/p>\n Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin<\/a> (Habitat HMD) is part of the renowned global Habitat for Humanity network, recognized for its commitment to mobilizing community resources to provide safe and decent homes for families in need. Since its inception in 1999, Habitat HMD has completed 92 affordable housing units\u2014including 74 units for families living in the Halton Region, City of Mississauga, and Dufferin County, as well as 18 tiny homes for Indigenous communities and as accessory residential units.<\/p>\n Habitat\u2019s unique housing model offers a pathway to home ownership, filling a critical gap in the housing continuum. The organization is dedicated to addressing Canada\u2019s housing crisis and aims to transform more lives by delivering a minimum of 130 new housing units to partner families between 2022 and 2032.<\/p>\n About Edenshaw Developments<\/p>\n Founded in 2009, by President and CEO David McComb, Edenshaw Developments<\/a> Limited is a leading real estate developer committed to creating innovative and elevated mixed-use residential communities. With a focus on design excellence, sustainability and craftsmanship. Edenshaw is dedicated to building not just homes, but lasting communities where people can live, grow and belong.<\/p>\n
\nThe City\u2019s gentle density incentive program<\/a> is making it less expensive to build additional residential units and fourplexes by providing grants to cover city fees and development charges (if applicable). To date, more than $300,000 in grants have been awarded with an additional $700,000 in grants expected in the coming months. The City also offers pre-approved garden suite design plans<\/a> that residents can use free of charge.
\nMississauga\u2019s Inclusionary Zoning<\/a> by-law helps increase affordable housing in the City by requiring affordable housing units in large developments located in major transit station areas.
\nThe City has lowered costs for those building affordable housing units by reducing and\/or eliminating application and parking fees for affordable and non-profit housing providers.
\nThe City is reviewing opportunities to optimize city-owned facilities to find innovative ways to building housing on city property.<\/p>\n
![\"Photo](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Alba-Edenshaw-2025-200x265.jpg\")
<\/a>Photo of Edenshaw\u2019s Alba development