The Meaning of Home writing contest is back.
Students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 from across Canada are invited to answer the question:
“What does home mean to you?”
Open until February 20, 2026, each poem or essay
submitted not only celebrates creativity but also supports Habitat for Humanity PEH in
building safe and affordable homes. Locally, the goal is 250 entries, contributing to a
national target of 19,000 submissions from across Canada.
For many children, home is more than a place—it’s where dreams begin. Habitat for
Humanity’s affordable homeownership model supports families through geared-to-
income mortgages, providing stability, opportunity, and a strong foundation for children
to thrive.
“The Meaning of Home contest gives children a powerful voice to share what home
means to them — and their words inspire real change,” says Pedro Barata, Habitat for
Humanity Canada’s president & CEO. “We’re proud to welcome BMO as our new title
sponsor, whose belief in community and economic resilience aligns perfectly with
Habitat’s vision.”
Founded in 2007, the Meaning of Home contest has raised over $3 million nationwide.
Last year alone, more than 17,500 entries raised $356,000, helping families across
Canada build brighter futures through affordable homeownership.
Each local entry generates a $10 donation to Habitat for Humanity PEH. Nationally, three
grand prize winners will receive a $30,000 grant to support their local Habitat’s home-
building efforts, an iPad, and a class pizza party. In addition, nine runners-up will each
receive a $10,000 grant, an electronic tablet, and a class pizza party.
As an added national incentive, teachers who register and submit student entries will be
entered into a draw to win one of ten $200 gift cards for classroom supplies, awarded by
Habitat for Humanity Canada.
Locally, students can also win additional prizes donated by community
partners Domino’s Bay of Quinte, Sweet Escapes, and Doki Doki.
Teachers and parents can access a free educational module with writing tips and
information about affordable housing at meaningofhome.ca. For any questions or interest
in having a Habitat PEH representative visit your school please reach out to Emily at
emilys@habitatpeh.org. Entries may be submitted online or by mail, with winners
announced in June 2026.
The Meaning of Home contest is made possible thanks to the generous support of title
sponsor BMO, founding sponsor Sagen™, and award sponsors Metrie and Stantec.
