Habitat for Humanity bracing for U.S. tariff impacts

Four Edmonton-area families have new homes thanks to Habitat for Humanity. But the charity is worried about expected U.S. tariffs impacting building prices.

“And fewer people are able to serve,” said Ann-Marie Reddy, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Edmonton.

Irene Abatangana has dreamed about owning a home since moving to Canada from Rwanda a year ago, but thought the cost of living would get in the way.

“I quickly realize how hard it is to find a place to truly call home,” she explained. “We couldn’t save enough money for the house, it was just for the basic needs.”

But she now has the keys to her own home, thanks to Habitat for Humanity in St. Albert. 

The organization gives low-income families a chance to help build their homes, with below-market interest rates on their first mortgage.

“I couldn’t believe it because it was like a dream for us. We’re planning it’s maybe in five or ten years, but after a year since I arrived here, it’s like a miracle,” said Abatangana.

But with tariffs from the United States expected on Wednesday, Habitat for Humanity is worried that this will impact their housing goal, and could increase their waitlist for those looking for affordable housing. 

“The more the cost increases, the less we are going to be able to build. Fewer people are able to serve in creating an affordable home ownership opportunity,” Reddy explained.

The non-profit says they are averaging between eight to ten housing builds per year in the region, but if the tariffs and counter-tariffs continue, local suppliers may not be able to fill the gap in delivering equipment and materials, meaning future projects could experience delays.

“Working with various builders and developers, everyone is going to feel that specific crunch,” said Reddy.

That crunch is expected to hit homebuilding company Averton soon.

“I think we can’t control that part, but we just have to mitigate with our various suppliers and trade partners as best as we can,” said Paul Lanni, the CEO of Averton.

“We’re already in the inflationary environment and have been for a number of years. Now to add the potential for tariffs to come in and amplify those increases even more is something we all have to wrap our heads around.”