Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North has named a new director of community partnerships.
Michael Cullen, a former executive director of United Way Centraide North East Ontario, has been named to the role it was announced June 28.
“Michael’s role is a pivotal one for Habitat in the region, and we’re delighted to be welcoming him to our organization,” Kimberley Woodcock, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North, said in a news release. “We recognize that partnerships with community and government organizations are critical to making affordable housing a reality. And we’re thrilled to say that Michael will be focused on advancing partnership development to that end.”
Woodcock also highlighted what she called a “provincewide housing crisis” in Ontario that extends into the North.
“The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) defines ‘affordable housing’ as shelter costs of less than 30 per cent of a household’s before-tax income. According to Public Health Sudbury & Districts, more than 21 per cent of families spend in excess of 30 per cent of their household income on shelter costs. This means that one in five families (in the region) are forced to make impossible choices, between rent and food, clothing, transportation, and medicine.”
Habitat for Humanity said Cullen “extensive and progressive business experience in the private and not-for-profit sectors, where his focus was on partnership and community development,” which makes him a good fit for the organization’s mission.
“It is truly an honour to be associated with such a reputable and trusted organization like Habitat for Humanity,” Cullen is quoted saying. “The work of planning and building homes is more important now than ever. I am confident that through sincere, well-aligned partnerships combined with elevated levels of community engagement our collective efforts will pay off on behalf of those individuals and families who are so deserving of safe, affordable places to call home.”
