Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie & Area

What Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie & Area does

Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie & Area is a non-profit charitable housing organization and an official Habitat for Humanity Canada affiliate founded in 2002 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. It operates an Affordable Homeownership Program that provides low-income working families with no-down-payment, interest-free, geared-to-income mortgages in exchange for 500 volunteer hours, combined with financial literacy and home maintenance education. Since inception the organization has placed 15 families into affordable homes and is currently developing its largest project, a five-unit accessible housing complex on Goulais Avenue on land donated by Soo Mill Buildall.

The organization's operations center on a Habitat ReStore retail outlet located at Cambrian Mall, which sells donated new and gently used building materials, appliances, furniture, cabinetry, and home goods at 50-80% below retail with no HST charged. The ReStore is supplemented by a free donation pickup service within defined Sault Ste. Marie boundaries and a Kitchen Salvage program that accepts major renovation materials. Together the retail and pickup infrastructure diverts approximately 1.3 lbs of waste from local landfills per dollar of product sold and subsidizes the affordable housing program.

Revenue is generated through a diversified mix: ReStore transaction sales; individual donations; corporate build sponsorships at Platinum/Gold/Silver/Bronze tiers; planned giving vehicles including charitable bequests, gifts of life insurance, RRSP/RRIF beneficiary designations, and gifts of real estate and personal property; vehicle donations via Donate a Car Canada; and government grants including the federal National Housing Co-Investment Fund under Canada's National Housing Strategy. Signature fundraising events include the annual Steel Toes and Stilettos Gala and Touch-a-Truck community event, supplemented by Corporate Build Days ($1,500 per team of up to 10) that double as team-building experiences. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and operates with approximately 20 staff across executive, finance, fundraising/marketing, and ReStore functions, with strategic construction partners including SalDan Construction and core property partners including the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board.

Name

Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie & Area

Legal name

Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie & Area

Website

https://habitatsault.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie & Area is a non-profit charitable affiliate, founded in 2002, that builds affordable homes for low-income working families in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario through no-down-payment, interest-free mortgages funded primarily by ReStore retail sales, donations, and government grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Affordable Housing Services

NAICS

Other Community Housing Services (624229), Community Housing Services (62422), Residential Building Construction (2361)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGALAC

Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts)

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Social Enterprises & Impact Organizations

SECONDARYIMAFABAI

Residential Affordable Housing Development & Construction

Industrials, Manufacturing & Construction/Construction & Civil Engineering/Residential Building Construction

SECONDARYBPAIANAA

Public & Affordable Housing Programs (Subsidies, Vouchers, Public Housing)

Business & Public Services/Public Sector & Government Administration/Housing, Urban Planning & Community Development

SECONDARYBPAJAGAJ

Affordable Housing Property Management

Business & Public Services/Real Estate Services (Brokerage, Property Management)/Commercial Property Management

SECONDARYFSALAKAH

Public Housing & Social Housing Development/Modernization Programs

Financial & Insurance/Mortgage & Housing Finance/Housing Finance Agencies & Government-Sponsored Housing Programs

Keywords

• Affordable housing construction
• Nonprofit homeownership program
• ReStore home improvement
• Donation pickup services
• Community build sponsorship

Headquarters

HQ city

Sault Ste. Marie

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. ReStore Retail Sales: The ReStore sells new and gently used building materials, appliances, furniture, and home goods at 50-80% below retail prices with no HST. Revenue from ReStore sales covers operational expenses and funds the affordable homeownership program.
2. Individual Donations: Individual donors can make single or recurring donations. The organization promises that 100% of donations go directly to building homes with no administration costs.
3. Build Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors can provide monetary or in-kind donations for specific build projects. Sponsorship levels include Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze tiers with various recognition benefits.
4. Planned Giving and Legacy Gifts: The organization accepts planned gifts including charitable bequests, gifts of life insurance, retirement fund assets (RRSPs/RRIFs), and real estate donations.
5. Vehicle Donations: Through Donate a Car Canada partnership, the organization accepts vehicle donations which are recycled or resold with net proceeds supporting the homeownership program.
6. Real Estate and Property Gifts: The organization accepts gifts of real estate (houses, cottages, commercial buildings) and tangible personal property (jewelry, antiques, art, vehicles, collections). Donors receive tax receipts for fair market value.
7. Government Grants: The organization receives funding through programs like the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF) under Canada's National Housing Strategy.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie & Area builds affordable homes for low-income working families in partnership with volunteers, donors, and corporate sponsors, offering no-down-payment, interest-free mortgages geared to income in exchange for 500 volunteer hours. The program is financially sustained by the Habitat ReStore, a home improvement outlet selling donated building materials, appliances, furniture, and home goods at 50-80% below retail with no HST.

Product overview

Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie & Area is a non-profit charitable organization offering affordable homeownership programs and operating a network of integrated services. The core product is the Affordable Homeownership Program, which provides interest-free, geared-to-income mortgages paired with a 500-hour volunteer requirement. This program is supported by the ReStore (a home improvement retail outlet selling donated building materials), the Donate a Vehicle Program, and various planned giving vehicles (gifts of property, charitable bequests, life insurance, and retirement fund assets). The organization also runs community fundraising events including Corporate Build Days, the Steel Toes and Stilettos Gala, and Touch-a-Truck. All products and programs interconnect to fund and facilitate affordable housing construction for low-income working families in the Sault Ste. Marie area.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Affordable Homeownership Program No-down-payment, interest-free mortgage program geared to 30% of gross household income, where qualifying low-income families contribute 500 volunteer hours (building their own home or working at the ReStore) in lieu of a down payment to purchase homes at fair market value. Includes homeowner education in financial literacy and home maintenance.
• Habitat ReStore Retail Outlet Physical home improvement retail outlet at Cambrian Mall (44 Great Northern Rd) selling new and gently used building supplies, kitchen cabinetry, furniture, appliances, windows, plumbing, and home décor at 50-80% below retail prices with no HST. Sales revenue funds the Affordable Homeownership Program.
• Donation Pickup Service Free pickup service for donated building materials, furniture, appliances, and home goods from residential donors within Sault Ste. Marie (bounded by Allen's Side Road, Third Line, and Fournier Road), bookable online or by phone.
• Business Donations Program Corporate donation program accepting discontinued products, scratched merchandise, aging inventory, and return-to-vendor items from businesses, with free pickup service and charitable tax receipts issued.
• Kitchen Salvage Program Accepts donated kitchen materials including counters, cabinets, appliances, sinks, and range hoods from major residential or commercial renovation projects for resale at the ReStore.
• Donate a Vehicle Program Partnership with Donate a Car Canada allowing donors to contribute cars, trucks, RVs, and boats with free pickup; vehicles are recycled or resold with net proceeds supporting the Affordable Homeownership Program.
• Corporate Build Days Team-building program where corporate groups of up to 10 people fundraise $1,500 (with Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsorship tiers available) and participate in hands-on construction activities to sponsor affordable home builds. Includes commemorative shirts, coffee, snacks, lunch, recognition on social media and website, digital team photo, and tax receipt.
• Steel Toes and Stilettos Gala Annual black-tie fundraising gala supporting the Affordable Homeownership Program, featuring community engagement, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket sales.
• Touch-a-Truck Community Event Annual community fundraiser featuring vehicles of various types for families, with sponsorship tiers (Friend under $500, Bronze $500+, Silver $1,000+, Gold $2,500+), vendor fees ($50 minimum non-profit, $100 minimum business), and truck registration at $350 per truck.
• Gift From the Heart Memorial and tribute donation program allowing donors to honor loved ones with charitable gifts supporting the Affordable Homeownership Program.
• Gifts of Property Accepts donations of real estate (houses, cottages, commercial buildings) and tangible personal property (jewelry, antiques, art, vehicles, collections) with charitable tax receipts issued for fair market value.
• Charitable Bequests Planned giving program allowing donors to leave specific, residual, or contingent bequests through wills to support the Affordable Homeownership Program.
• Gifts of Life Insurance Deferred giving program allowing donors to name Habitat as beneficiary or transfer paid-up life insurance policies, providing charitable donation receipts.
• Gifts of Retirement Fund Assets RRSP/RRIF beneficiary designation program allowing donors to reduce estate taxes by naming Habitat as primary or co-beneficiary of retirement accounts.

Quantifiable outcome

• 15 families have achieved homeownership since 2002
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Sault CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Construction Carpentry Techniques program students helped renovate the ReStore. Students gained hands-on experience while supporting Habitat's mission.
• Soo Mill BuildallcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Donated the Goulais Avenue property (661 Goulais Avenue) to Habitat in 2020. Property serves as the site for the five-unit affordable housing complex.
• SalDan Construction GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary corporate build partner for multiple projects including the Blake Avenue build. Co-developer of the Goulais Avenue five-unit complex project. Featured as sponsor at dedication ceremonies and gala events.
• Donate a Car CanadacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThird-party partner facilitating vehicle donations to Habitat. Handles all aspects from pickup to final sale, ensuring vehicles sell for highest amount. Net proceeds go to Habitat's Affordable Homeownership Program.
• District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSMSSAB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDonated land for Wellington Street West semi-detached homes (Builds 13 & 14). Ongoing partner in affordable housing initiatives.
• Algoma Ontario Health TeamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner mentioned in homeowner story context, supporting affordable housing as part of comprehensive family wellbeing.
• Ontario Aboriginal Housing Support (OAHS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Habitat on Danielle's home, providing support for Indigenous families seeking safe and affordable housing.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves3 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario: Regional Ontario Habitat affiliate serving a comparable mid-size Ontario market with the same ReStore + build model. Useful peer for gauging per-market operating costs and family-placement throughput benchmarks.
• Habitat for Humanity Toronto: Larger Ontario Habitat affiliate operating the same affordable homeownership model (no-down-payment, geared-to-income mortgages, volunteer hours, ReStore retail). Most direct functional comparable for evaluating SSM affiliate's operating model at scale.
• Habitat for Humanity Ottawa: Another Ontario Habitat affiliate with the same ReStore retail and affordable home build model. Useful benchmark for retail-to-build fundraising ratios, build throughput, and partnership structures in a mid-sized Canadian market.

Regional players

• United Way Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District: Local social services fundraising umbrella operating in the same geographic market. Competes for corporate sponsorships, individual donors, and volunteer engagement in Sault Ste. Marie; relevant for assessing local donor wallet share.
• District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSMSSAB): Local municipal social services authority that donated land for SSM Habitat's Wellington Street West builds. Serves overlapping housing-insecure populations through social assistance and housing programs; relevant comparator for the local affordable housing landscape.

Others

• Sault College: Local educational partner whose Construction Carpentry Techniques students renovated the ReStore. Functions as a talent and volunteer pipeline for Habitat SSM; relevant as a strategic ecosystem enabler rather than a competitor.

Broad incumbents

• Habitat for Humanity Canada: National umbrella organization coordinating all 56 Canadian Habitat affiliates. Operates as the franchisor/aggregator with shared branding, donor network, and federal grant access (including NHCF). Relevant for understanding the affiliate's parent ecosystem and shared-resource dependencies.
• Goodwill Industries: Large North American nonprofit retail operator using donated goods resale to fund mission programs. Compares on the ReStore/thrift-store retail model, donation pickup logistics, and the use of retail margins to subsidize social programming.
• Salvation Army Thrift Stores: Established Canadian nonprofit thrift retail chain that competes for donated goods, volunteer labor, and secondhand home goods shoppers. Closest commercial comparator for ReStore's donation-pickup and discount-retail model.

Emerging players

• Ontario Aboriginal Housing Support (OAHS): Indigenous-led affordable housing provider in Ontario and a stated partner of Habitat SSM on Danielle's home. Serves overlapping affordable homeownership populations with culturally specialized support and provincial funding.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/2356211444854685
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hfhssma

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie & Area