Courtenay and Campbell River, BC - Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North is stepping into an exciting new chapter.

Starting April 1, the organization’s administrative office will relocate to a new space inside the recently transformed building of Coastal Community Credit Union at 291 4th Street, Courtenay.

The move brings Habitat’s full administrative team together in one central location, helping the organization better serve communities across the North Island and the Comox Valley while supporting a growing portfolio of affordable homeownership projects.

The new office is located in the heart of downtown Courtenay, offering convenient street parking and walking distance to local services, making it easier for partners, volunteers, and community members to connect with Habitat.

A partnership built on shared values

Over the years, Coastal Community Credit Union has been a strong supporter of Habitat’s mission to bring people together to build homes, community, and hope.

The credit union has contributed in many ways, including a significant $100,000 corporate donation to support affordable homeownership initiatives in the Comox Valley and Campbell River.

Their support goes well beyond financial contributions. Coastal Community staff have volunteered on Habitat build sites, participated in employee-led fundraisers such as hot dog roasts, and provided financial expertise that helps Habitat homeowners prepare for long-term success.

Coastal Community is also a key partner behind the scenes. The credit union provides banking services and financing support that help Habitat build homes. For Habitat VIN, moving into the same building as such an important partner simply makes sense.

“We are proud to support Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North and the work they do to make affordable homeownership a reality for families in our community,” said Allyson Prescesky, AVP, Community Impact & Corporate Communications. “We’re excited to share the space with such an impactful organization. We have had the opportunity to work closely with Habitat for many years and look forward to growing together to strengthen the Comox Valley.”

“Coastal Community has been an incredible partner to Habitat for many years,” said Jeff West, Executive Director for Habitat VIN. “Sharing space in their new building feels like a natural next step in a partnership that is already making a real difference for families.”

A revitalized community hub

The renovated 291 4th Street building reflects Coastal Community’s commitment to the Comox Valley. Originally built in 1963, the building recently underwent a major transformation, modernizing both interior and exterior spaces and incorporating sustainability features such as renewable wood materials, energy-efficient heating and cooling, and electric vehicle charging stations.

The building now brings Coastal Community’s banking, insurance, and wealth management teams together under one roof, providing a vibrant hub for individuals, families, and local businesses. Habitat for Humanity VIN will now also call this building home.

Looking ahead

With a central office location for our region, Habitat VIN can strengthen collaboration, partnerships, and connections with the communities we serve while continuing to grow our portfolio of affordable homeownership projects.

“We’re growing, and our work is growing with us,” said West. “This move helps position Habitat to serve more families, build more homes, and continue working alongside incredible partners like Coastal Community to address housing challenges in our communities.”

Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North’s administrative office will officially open in its new location on April 8 at 291 4th Street, Suite 2, in Courtenay.

About Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North

With the help of volunteers and Habitat homeowners, Habitat for Humanity builds safe, decent, and affordable homes. Habitat VIN has brought the community together to build 51 affordable homes on North Vancouver Island since its founding in 2004. Because of families who eventually sold their homes back to Habitat after an improved financial situation, we have served a total of 58 homeowner families. Habitat does not give away free homes — the families who partner with us pay an affordable mortgage geared to their income and volunteer 500 hours with our organization. As Habitat homeowners pay off their mortgage, the funds are reinvested into a revolving fund, which we then use to build more homes for more families in the community. Our model of affordable homeownership bridges a gap for low-income working families by providing them with the opportunity to purchase their own Habitat homes and build a better future for their families. Visit vin.habitat.ca to learn more.