National organization cuts ties with Kamloops branch of Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity Canada cut ties with the Kamloops branch after trying to work with the branch for more than a year.
The national organization cited a failure to meet "mandatory standards" at the Kamloops branch, forcing it to cancel its affiliation, according to a news release from Habitat for Humanity Canada.
"Each of the 48 local Habitat for Humanity organizations in Canada operate independently as separate non-profit organizations under the oversight of their own board of directors, but they must adhere to these high standards," the release reads. "When they fail to do so, they compromise Habitat’s ability to serve families and maintain trust with community stakeholders, which is critical for Habitat affiliates to continue making a positive impact."
The Kamloops branch operates in several communities across the region as far as Prince George, Revelstoke, Merritt and Lytton.
While the exact reasons for the decision are unclear, executive director of the Kamloops branch Bill Miller said the decision was mutual.
"The Habitat Kamloops board of directors unanimously voted to disaffiliate with Habitat Canada at its last board meeting," he said in an emailed response to iNFOnews.ca.
Habitat for Humanity Canada said the national board of directors voted to disaffiliate with the Kamloops branch effective today, Oct. 13, according to its news release.
Miller added the decision has been "in the works" since December 2021.
When asked what standards the Kamloops branch failed to meet in the eyes of the national organization, Miller said, "actually, it was the other way around."
Habitat Kamloops issued that statement around 4 p.m. today claiming the national organization cut its ties with the local branch before they could come to a joint "amicable" resolution.
"Regardless of the capricious action by Habitat Canada, we remain committed to our communities," the news release reads. "We will continue to develop attainable housing projects, throughout the regions we serve, and provide support to all families currently under our wings – albeit under a new name."
The Habitat for Humanity name and logo must now be removed from the Kamloops branch, including any online advertising and social media accounts.
Miller said the Kamloops branch will continue to operate under a new name.
The Kamloops branch closed its ReStore location just months after it moved to its new location on Fortune Drive. It's now based in Salmon Arm.
Whether the decision to cut ties between the Kamloops branch and the national organization are related in any way to the ReStore closure is unclear.
Miller also said the ongoing charity raffle for a 1968 Camaro remains unchanged and the draw will happen on Saturday, Oct. 15.
— This story was updated at 5:01 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022, with a statement from Habitat for Humanity Kamloops.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Levi Landry or call 250-819-3723 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
