Habitat for Humanity Northumberland is celebrating the success of its first-ever Habitat in Action Week, which brought together more than 250 participants for six days of volunteering, learning and community engagement.
The inaugural event showcased the organization’s work beyond home construction, highlighting programs that support affordable housing, home repairs and community partnerships across Northumberland County.
Participants took part in workshops, volunteer projects, ReStore activities and community events, while corporate teams helped prepare products for sale, supported Critical Home Repairs and assisted with ReStore operations.
Families also participated in Little Builders workshops, and a women-focused power tool workshop gave participants the chance to build projects while developing new skills.
One of the week’s signature events was Building Stronger Communities: A Community Conversation About Housing in Northumberland, where Habitat for Humanity Canada Senior Director of Programs Stacey Sawchuk and Habitat Northumberland CEO Cathy Borowec discussed housing challenges facing communities locally and across Canada.
The discussion also highlighted Habitat’s Critical Home Repairs and Market Repairs programs, which help residents remain safely in their homes.
Another popular event featured furniture refinishing expert Erika from Flipping Beautiful, who demonstrated how second-hand furniture and décor can be transformed into new pieces, reinforcing Habitat’s focus on sustainability through the ReStore.
The week also included a Donation Blitz that encouraged residents to donate quality household items, helping keep materials out of landfill while supporting Habitat’s affordable homeownership and repair programs.
“Habitat in Action was about opening our doors and inviting the community to experience Habitat in a different way,” said CEO Cathy Borowec. “Whether someone volunteered, attended a workshop, participated in a conversation, donated to the ReStore or simply stopped in to learn more, they became part of something bigger.”
Habitat says it hopes Habitat in Action Week will become an annual tradition in Northumberland County.
