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 that 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."

He said more details will be revealed in an upcoming official statement.

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, and more details about the decision to split from Habitat for Humanity will come in a statement Thursday afternoon.

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.

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