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Category: What’s Up

Habitat for Humanity GTA Homes

Posted on by Cindy-Ann Williams

Unlock the benefits of a home of your own now. Habitat for Humanity GTA is offering homes across the Greater Toronto Area, from Oshawa to Brampton, for families, couples and individuals like yourself. If your household income is between $65K and $130K and you are struggling to afford a home in this market, Habitat GTA has a home that may be right for you!

Why partner with Habitat GTA?

  • No down payment: it can take decades to save for a down payment, Habitat GTA’s homes don’t require one.
  • Affordable mortgage: families pay a first mortgage geared to income while Habitat GTA provides a second mortgage to bridge the gap.
  • Peace of mind: you won’t spend more than 32% of your income on shelter, leaving room for building savings, investing in education and more. · Homes available near where you live and work: 58 & 62 Sky Harbour Drive (Brampton), 25 William Street (Brampton), 485 Normandy Street (Oshawa), 423 Old Weston Road (Toronto), 500 Wilson Avenue (Toronto).

Homes Feature:

  • Zero downpayment required
  • 1 – 4 bedrooms
  • 1 – 3 bathrooms
  • 483 – 1530 square feet
  • Parking included at most communities

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

  • You are employed full-time or full-time equivalent
  • You hold 3 years of consecutive employment history in Canada
  • You are first time homebuyers and cannot afford a purchase on your own

Select homes have been delivered in part by CMHC’s federal funding for first-time homeowner Black families in the GTA. Eligible applicants must have at least one person in their household who identifies as Black when applying for select units.

Ready to apply? We encourage you to learn more about the program, see unit details and start your application: https://habitatgta.ca/homeownership/

Questions? Please contact the Habitat GTA team at families@habitatgta.ca

Habitat GTA Homes – Feb 2024

BOF & Air Canada Collaborate!

Posted on by Cindy-Ann Williams

Black Opportunity Fund is teaming up with Air Canada to amplify our mission! Keep an eye out for our ad on inflight entertainment, on your next Air Canada flight!

Throughout Black History Month Air Canada will be showcasing a 15-second promo for BOF on all domestic and international flights, highlighting some of our notable impacts and achievements over the past year, ending with a call for donations. This unparalleled exposure provides an exceptional opportunity to amplify BOF’s message to diverse audiences.

Thank you, Air Canada, for your ongoing commitment to advancing equity, and your generous support to amplify our mission and message of empowering Black communities across Canada. Keep an eye out for further announcements on this exciting partnership!

Beyond the Decade: Moving from Hashtags to Action

Posted on by Cindy-Ann Williams

To sign up, please use the below link or scan the QR code displayed on the flyer

Black Opportunity Fund cordially invites you to Beyond the Decade: Moving from Hashtags to Action, a conversation with Gaynel Curry Independent Expert Member of the UN Permanent Forum of People of African Descent

In this engaging conversation, we will examine the achievements of the UN Decade for People of African Descent, discuss the need for a 2nd Decade, and delve into the ongoing efforts required. Our focus will be on the current and emerging opportunities and threats impacting the socio-economic advancement of people of African Descent on the continent and throughout the Diaspora.

The UN Permanent Forum of People of African Descent, which became operational on 2 August 2021 through UN General Assembly resolution 75/314, serves as a platform for improving the safety and quality of life and livelihoods of people of African descent. It also serves as an advisory body to the Human Rights Council.

Ms. Curry, with over 23 years of experience at the United Nations, has made significant contributions to the International Decade for People of African Descent. Her various roles have included Human Rights Advisor in Geneva and Gender and Women’s Rights Advisor in New York, with key portfolios in Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Timor-Leste.

This event is proudly presented by the Black Opportunity Fund, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, and The McGill Centre for Human Rights & Legal Pluralism, along with Miller Thomson, Centre for Criminology and Sociolegal Studies – University of Toronto, and Diversity Institute – Ted Rogers School of Management

Date: February 8, 2024

Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: MILLER THOMSON LLP, Scotia Plaza, 40 King Street West, Suite 5800

#WeBackBlack #BeyondTheDecade #UNDecadeAfricanDescent #AfricanDiasporaAction #HumanRightsDialogue #AdvancingAfricanDescent

Please be aware that space is limited, and only individuals who have registered in advance will be allowed to attend.

Black Opportunity Fund board member Eleanor McIntosh appointed as new HDSB Superintendent of Education

Posted on by Cindy-Ann Williams

We are pleased to announce that Black Opportunity Fund board member, Eleanor McIntosh, has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Education at the Halton District School Board (HDSB) effective January 29, 2024!

This position is an addition to the senior team, to help the HDSB continue to achieve success in student learning and further the goals of the HDSB Multi-Year Plan.

With her rich experience spanning over two decades, Eleanor has served in various educational leadership roles and has been a dedicated community advocate. She began her career as an elementary math and science teacher and has been a school administrator in the Durham District School Board for 20 years, where she served diverse school communities in five different schools. In addition to working in a variety of settings with a number of specialized programs in Ontario and internationally, Eleanor has served in several key roles. These include Vice-principal, centrally assigned Education Officer, and Secondary School Principal.

Eleanor, who serves as Chair of Black Opportunity Fund’s Education Task Force, has always been an inspirational leader, advocating for inclusive and transformative education. We wish Eleanor success in this newest chapter in her journey, with the Halton District School Board, helping to catalyze student learning and educational excellence.

Breaking Barriers, Inspiring Generations: The Historic Lincoln Alexander Bust Project

Posted on by Cindy-Ann Williams

In Canada’s rich history, the Honourable Lincoln ‘Linc’ MacCauley Alexander stands tall as a pioneer, his legacy now made permanent at Queen’s Park. Today, January 21st, marks not only a tribute but a celebration of the ongoing preservation of his indomitable spirit. Through our commitments to preserve his legacy, we are ensuring that his contributions will continue to inspire future generations to come.

In this historic moment, the Black Opportunity Fund extends heartfelt gratitude to all who bore witness and supported this project. Your commitment has made this living legacy possible, and we are honoured to share in this historic event.

This bust is more than a sculpture, it is a testament to the power of representation and the acknowledgment of diverse voices within the fabric of Canada’s history. Embracing Lincoln Alexander’s legacy, we recognize that his impact transcends history books and still exists in our present day. We celebrate and uplift Linc as he did for Black communities across the country.

As we head towards another exciting month celebrating Black history and Black futures, let us renew our commitment to fostering an environment where diversity flourishes, allowing the dreams of every Canadian, past, present, and future, to soar.

2023 BOF Annual Report

Posted on by Cindy-Ann Williams

The Black Opportunity Fund 2023 Annual Report has been prepared to present and account for our fiscal responsibilities, operating activities, and achievements, to community, stakeholders, and funders for the fiscal year ended March 31st, 2023. The report is available for viewing.