Led by a group of very dedicated volunteers, Habitat for Humanity York Region (Habitat York) was started in 2001 as a local grassroots organization. With this group of dedicated volunteers and the very generous support of our community, corporate donors and sponsors, our affiliate has built on average 1-2 homes per year. Unfortunately, the need for affordable housing has continued to grow at a rapid rate in York Region. There are approximately 7.000 families on the waiting list for social housing in York Region.

The average wait time – 8 years and for those with special needs – 15 years.  Our strategic direction over the next 5 years is to tackle this issue in York Region and Bradford West Gwillimbury and alleviate the stress on our taxed social housing system and leave those spaces for the members of our community who are most at risk. Our goal is to raise $5.6 million through our Building Homes, Creating Communities and Transforming Lives fundraising campaign. With your continued support, we will make a difference by impacting intergenerational poverty in our communities.

The York Region/Bradford West Gwillimbury area borders Steeles Avenue on the south and Lake Simcoe on the north, with a total area of 1960 km2 (760 mi2). The population is about 950,000.

York Region is made up of Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan and Whitchurch-Stouffville.

Bradford West Gwillimbury includes Bond Head, Bradford, Coulson, Deerhurst, Dunkerron, Green Valley, Newton Robinson and Pinkerton.