What makes Habitat Toronto’s new Bermondsey 155 location so special?
Habitat for Humanity Toronto’s new facility amalgamates the organization’s previous Home Building Factory, training facility, ReStore East York and the administrative office. By integrating these operations into a centralized location, Habitat Toronto will function in a more efficient and coordinated manner, all under one roof.
This new facility will allow the organization to be able to receive donated building materials, host training sessions, pre-build components of new Habitat Toronto homes, store and repair tools, divert thousands of tons of material from landfills generated through donations directed for the ReStore and much, much more.
The construction of 155 Bermondsey used a simple design and affordable building materials, many of which were donated. The facility is L.E.E.D. (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, which means that it meets one of the highest standards in building environmental sustainability. As a model green builder, holding this certification reflects Habitat for Humanity Toronto’s on-going commitment to support safe, healthy communities and a sustainable environment.
Planning for the future was a key component of this building’s sustainability. Habitat Toronto created a design that is adaptable to expansion and additional green space. The tool room can one day support a mezzanine, the east wall of the warehouse would allow for building expansion and the leased area on the main floor could serve as future office space if required.
The new building is not only a major investment in the constant growth and cultivation of Habitat Toronto, but is also allows the organization to remain fiscally prudent. Habitat Toronto will save money by consolidating many of the services this building will provide, while also building equity. The 5,000 square feet of office space on the ground floor will be leased to an outside organization and the expected income from that lease is expected to pay for the operating costs of the building.
By centralizing Habitat for Humanity Toronto’s operations we are bringing together volunteers, partner family homeowners and donors under one roof. We are building a greater sense of community within the Habitat Toronto Family and building hope for the organization to continue to help families living in need in the future.
