During occasions such as the recent holiday season, many of us reflect on the warmth and security that comes with having a home – and it’s a feeling that should be universal. But currently we live in a world where more than one billion people – 14 per cent of the global population – live without adequate shelter. At McOuat Partnership, one of the things we are most proud of this past year is our newest partnership with World Housing, an organization that aligns perfectly with our core values and mission by partnering with builders, developers and real estate professionals to transform the most vulnerable communities around the globe with safe, secure housing. And homebuyers are watching.

Because as a homebuyer wouldn’t you prefer to know that your home purchase is also supporting others and making a genuine impact? Homebuyers have the opportunity to choose builders or realtors who are actively working to make a difference. By purchasing from a builder or realtor who supports World Housing, you can be assured that you are contributing to a cause that puts a roof over families’ heads, with 100 per cent of all public donation dollars going directly to homebuilding, all while fulfilling your own dream of homeownership.

That’s why builders and real estate professionals from across Canada are stepping up as ambassadors and benefactors for World Housing. Recognizable names such as Bosa Developments, Sotheby’s International Realty, James Hardie Siding, Koru Pacific, Cook Homes, Zehr Group, MLA Canada, and McEvay Blair Multifamily Group, along with private donors such as Audie and Peter Lenkov, have collectively helped to establish more than 1,000 homes in nine countries, and providing shelter for more than 5,000 individuals.

As you consider how you can make an impact, here are several ways you can give back:

IF YOU ARE A HOMEBUYER:

• Buy from a builder or hire an agent who supports World Housing.
  • Make a donation through World Housing’s Give a Home for the Holidays campaign.

IF YOU ARE A DEVELOPER/REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL:

• Become a benefactor, corporate sponsor or agent of change.
  • Agents – donate a portion of each sale to build a home in a developing country.
  • Sponsor a fundraising event to raise awareness and resources for communities in need.
  • Participate in World Housing’s annual “House Party.”

To learn more about how you can get involved and support World Housing’s initiatives, visit worldhousing.org or contact me directly at lianne@partnership.ca. If you are a local builder or real estate professional who wants to make a global impact, contact me and we can start the discussion.