On a recent, sunny afternoon, Calgary-area community and civic partners, corporate sponsors, volunteers and families gathered at a dedication event to celebrate the completion of several Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta homes. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was among the many faith communities and organizations that donated funds toward the construction of safe, affordable homes for families in need.
Elder James E. Evanson, North America Central (Southern Alberta) Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared the following:
President Russell M. Nelson has taught that members of the Church have “a covenantal obligation to care for the poor and the needy” (“In the Lord’s Own Way,” Apr. 1986 general conference). The ultimate objective of any humanitarian effort is to follow Jesus Christ by embracing the two great commandments: to love God and to love our neighbour (see Matthew 22:36–40).
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| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
In 2016, the Calgary Interfaith Council, which includes The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, set a goal to raise one million dollars for the building of 10 homes in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta.
Over the past three years, the major contribution of the Latter-day Saint community has been to initiate and lead an interfaith musical experience called “Building Sacred Bridges,” which has raised over $35,000 dollars in donations toward the Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Build.
This spring, the Church was able to provide an additional cash donation from Church humanitarian funds. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that temporal help, such as feeding the hungry and clothing the naked, is to be extended to all, “whether in this church, or in any other, or in no church at all” (Times and Seasons, Mar. 15, 1842, p. 732). We are grateful to be able serve the community as a Church and as followers of Jesus Christ.
Gerrad Oishi, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta, thanked the Church and its members for contributing to Habitat. He said, “Habitat homes are only possible when the entire community comes together to make it a reality. I would like to thank all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for helping to provide 10 families with safe, stable and affordable homes. You have made their dreams of better futures for their children come true today.”
Future Habitat homeowners work to build their own homes alongside experienced staff and volunteers. Catherine; her husband, Tim; and their children will soon move into their new Habitat home. “This is an incredible blessing,” Catherine remarked. “It changes people’s lives.”