A new initiative from OnePoint Association of REALTORS® is aiming to tackle some of Ontario’s most pressing challenges by investing in the next generation of skilled trades workers while helping strengthen local communities and supporting future housing needs.
Launched in 2025 by the OnePoint Association of REALTORS®, Foundations for the Future includes a three-year, $146,000 annual commitment, from 2025-2027, totalling $438,000. The program began with scholarships and expanded earlier this year to include hands-on, skilled trades learning experiences for youth. Delivered in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), the initiative will support students across OnePoint’s nine Ontario regions: Wellington, Huron, Perth, Grey, Bruce, Simcoe, Parry Sound, Haliburton, and Muskoka.
The scholarship component of Foundations for the Future launched in June 2025, awarding $500 scholarships to one student at each of the 51 secondary schools across OnePoint’s nine regions. The program’s first of 12 hands-on learning experiences to take place this year was held on March 27, where a $20,000 contribution to Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington marked the occasion. More than 200 students are expected to participate this year through Habitat for Humanity build days, ReStore projects, and classroom-based construction activities.
“When it comes to housing affordability, workforce shortages and housing insecurity, we’re all facing it and we can see the pressure,” said Jennifer Morley, 2025-2026 President of OnePoint Association of REALTORS®. “This is a strategic program that we hope will increase housing security from all sides.”
While the program is still in its early stages, students have already begun gaining practical experience. Morley said 64 students from five secondary schools across fourregions have participated in projects ranging from flooring installation and framing to drywall work, painting, electrical repairs and siding installation.
Foundations for the Future was developed in response to growing concerns about both housing and workforce shortages across Ontario. According to statistics cited by OnePoint, nearly 85,000 Ontarians experienced homelessness in 2025, approximately 50% more than in 2022. As the province works toward its goal of building 1.5 million homes by 2031, skilled trades workers will become increasingly vital.
Morley says REALTORS® see these challenges firsthand.
“We need skilled trades people to build homes in Ontario. REALTORS® understand that because we see that day-to-day. Those very same skilled trades careers provide workers with economic stability and then, of course, make homeownership more attainable for them.”
Habitat for Humanity was selected as the program’s primary delivery partner because of its strong community presence and ability to provide meaningful hands-on learning opportunities. Morley described how the partnership has already generated benefits beyond the student experience.
“What we discovered was that many Habitat chapters didn’t frequently engage with each other before we started this program. Now they’re more in touch and they’re learning to strengthen their operations with each other on a deeper level.”
The program’s flexibility is another key feature. While the overall goal remains consistent, activities vary depending on local needs and opportunities. Students recently participated in a two-day Habitat build in Saugeen First Nation, helping complete homes while gaining hands-on construction experience. Additional learning experiences are planned for this fall across OnePoint’s remaining five regions. Students who have demonstrated an interest in pursuing building trades, architectural studies, skilled trades, real estate or business are also eligible for scholarships. In addition to the $500 scholarship, A separate $1,000 merit-based scholarship will be awarded annually to a student entering their second year of the Bachelor of Commerce in Real Estate and Housing program at the University of Guelph.
Morley hopes these opportunities help students see skilled trades as both rewarding and sustainable career paths.
“We want students to realize that this is stable employment, well-paying employment, and a great career choice. We’re taking it seriously and we’re putting some support behind them to help them out and give them a hand up.”
Looking ahead, Morley hopes the program continues to grow well beyond its initial three-year commitment.
“I hope it snowballs,” she said. “I’d love one day for one of our members to say, ‘I just met a kid who received a Foundations for the Future scholarship and just bought their first home with me.’ That’s the story I want to hear. I want to see everybody succeed and keep moving forward in a positive way.”
For OnePoint, the program’s success will be measured not only by student participation, but by its contribution to building a stronger skilled trades workforce and supporting the future of housing in Ontario.
