In 2025, Habitat for Humanity Québec navigated a pivotal period. After years of balancing its housing mission with the operation of reuse stores, the organization chose to refocus its efforts. In February 2025, the last Habitat Store, located in Saint-Henri, closed its doors. A difficult decision, but a deliberate one.

"We sincerely thank our customers for their loyalty over the years. This decision was not easy, but it is necessary for us to adapt to changes in the retail landscape and focus fully on what matters most to us," said Marie-Claire Uwanyirigira, Chair of the Board of Directors.

This refocusing marks a turning point. Appointed in March 2025, Executive Director Sophie Dalbec has steered the organization toward a clear priority: strengthening its financial footing while maintaining a concrete impact for families in precarious housing situations.

On the ground, two programs have put that commitment into action. The Là pour toit program has, since 2023, helped five low-income homeowner families receive a complete roof replacement, made possible through the commitment of industry partners. In November 2025, Marilou and her daughters in Oka saw their roof replaced at a value of over $40,000. "It's truly one less major worry for me and my girls," she shared.

In Kahnawà:ke, a pilot home repairs project was launched in July 2025, in partnership with PlanIt Consulting & Communications, the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke, and other community stakeholders. In November, four carpentry students from the First Nations Adult Education Centre completed a first roof replacement, putting their skills to work for their own community. Eight renovation projects are planned for 2026.

In parallel, numerous meetings with housing stakeholders, elected officials, and partners in the construction sector have laid the groundwork for future collaborations. For while 2025 was a year of stabilization, it was also a year of preparation.

Access to affordable homeownership remains at the heart of the mission. In a context where 87% of Montrealers feel that this access is now out of reach, Habitat for Humanity Québec remains convinced that solutions exist — and that it is by working collectively that we make them possible.