The Affordable Home Ownership Program (AHOP) has been recognized with this year’s SooToday Community Builders Award, presented by Home Hardware, in the Economic Development category.
This recognition celebrates the work AHOP is doing to reshape housing, neighbourhoods and opportunities in Sault Ste. Marie.
AHOP is a one-of-a-kind initiative in our community, consisting of the Sault Ste. Marie Housing Corporation (SSMHC) purchasing, renovating and selling homes to families currently living in social housing.
Renovations are primarily carried out by Social Assistance participants, who volunteer and gain valuable hands-on employment skills in the process.
The program begins with SSMHC acquiring properties in neighbourhoods with declining property assessments. These homes are then renovated through the Building Maintenance and Construction (BMC) program, which provides Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program participants with practical construction and trades experience.
Once completed, the homes are sold to families in social housing, helping renters become homeowners while freeing up affordable rental units for others in need.
By integrating AHOP and BMC, the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSMSSAB) has created a program that addresses housing needs while also revitalizing communities and strengthening the workforce.
To date, 156 people have gained employment through the BMC program. AHOP has successfully completed four homes and currently has three more underway.
These contributions to the economic growth of Sault Ste. Marie make The Affordable Home Ownership Program a standout choice for this year’s award.
“This is such an amazing program. It’s very special to the community so I’m really glad that the hard work that the staff has done is being recognized,” shared Stephanie Pagnucco, Board Chair of DSSMSSAB and SSMHC.
“We’re thrilled to receive this award,” she added. “It’s a reflection of the collective effort of our staff, our partners and the families who have trusted us with this process.”
“We were so excited when we got those keys,” said Dawn Lebrun, one of the first people to own a home through AHOP.
“It made a world of difference going from renting to owning. We all want to own a home and unfortunately that goal is not always attainable if you’re in housing. This program is great and allows people to get ahead and achieve that goal,” she said. “For me, owning a home meant gaining independence, freedom and pride.”
Launched in 2019 with support from the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, AHOP is now self-sustaining: each home sale reinvests funds into future projects and capital improvements.
The BMC program is currently funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s Skills Development Fund and delivered in partnership with the Sault Community Career Centre, the Sault Ste. Marie Construction Association and SalDan Construction Group.
Thanks to the ongoing success of BMC and the dedication of community partners, AHOP continues to expand, providing meaningful opportunities to Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program clients as well as other residents seeking employment in Sault Ste. Marie.
The Economic Development award recognizes individuals or groups who have significantly enhanced the economic prosperity of the community through impactful contributions. These efforts may encompass leading and guiding committees, fostering the creation of social enterprises or new businesses and executing essential infrastructure projects.
Congratulations to the team at The Affordable Home Ownership Program!
The Economic Development award is proudly sponsored by LBMX.