Homeownership Bridge Program (HBP)

Habitat for Humanity GTA, BlackNorth Initiative and Dream Legacy Foundation came together to create a program that responds to economic and racial-inclusion issues when it comes to homeownership and ensuring affordable housing is available to those who face systemic racism. The truth is that Black people have historically been excluded from the ability to own a home. Housing in Toronto is a perfect case in point—studies have shown that 75 percent of residents who identify as Caucasian have a higher-than-average income and are proud homeowners, while 69 percent of residents who identify as Black (or other races) tend to have lower incomes and are often renters. Homeownership is key for success—not only does it provide stability, but it also builds owners’ equity and allows them to send their kids to post-secondary school, start businesses, support themselves during their retirement years and eventually transfer wealth to their families.

That said, the HBP is focused on the Greater Toronto Area, but the vision is for it to expand across the country—the program was designed to be replicated in other centres that are in significant need of affordable housing for racialized residents. The goal of the HBP is to create 200 new Black homeowners by 2027. It’s a lofty goal, but we believe it’s attainable.

Participant Spotlight: Chantall Samuels

When Chantall Samuels moved into her new home last spring, it was the start of a new life for her family. Before getting in touch with Dream, Toronto-based Chantall had been renting a one-bedroom apartment where she was raising her young son on a single income, but the area was starting to feel unsafe, and Chantall was ready for change. “I had always said, ‘I don’t know how, and I don’t know when, but I will be a homeowner,’” she says. “I also wanted to show my son that despite unconventional circumstances—including ever-present societal and economic hurdles—if you keep the faith and put forth your best effort, your circumstances will become your success story.”

That’s when she discovered the Homeownership Bride Program (HBP) and made the decision to connect with the Dream Legacy Foundation (via their collaboration with Habitat for Humanity and BlackNorth Initiative) to learn more about how it could help her. After moving through the application process with support and ease, Chantall was elated to learn she’d been selected to participate. “My experience was smooth. I’ve been guided throughout the entire process, from the initial questionnaire to where I am today,” she says. “It’s made the process seamless.”

In spring 2023, HBP partners shared how the final steps of the program prior to Chantall’s move-in date would work. She says she was given all necessary information pertaining to logistics around move-in, as well as a list of contacts who were available to support her if any issues arose. “The signing was one of my most memorable moments. It was a culmination of hard work, perseverance and the realization of a dream,” she says remembering the moment she finalized the paperwork last April. “I’m most proud of the fact that my son has had a front-row seat throughout the process of owning our first home. It’s one thing to tell someone that ‘nothing is impossible,’ but it’s another thing to have someone live out an impossibility and experience it firsthand.”

Having successfully been through the program, Chantall has advice for those considering participating. “Do your research, as questions and have a discussion with your family to determine whether the program is right for your household. If it is, I encourage you to take a leap of faith,” she says with pride. “HBP provides an opportunity for homeownership which, for many, is currently unattainable. To me, being a homeowner means opportunity, stability, security, success, generational wealth, promise, possibility and potential. Seize the moment.”

“I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Dream Legacy Foundation, BlackNorth Initiative and Habitat for Humanity. Your collective efforts have not gone unnoticed, and because of your hard work and dedication, you have turned my dream into a reality.”