Mariposa Dairy transforms parking lot into build factory for affordable housing with Habitat for Humanity
Last Thursday, approximately 25 employees from Mariposa Dairy rolled up their sleeves and transformed their parking lot into a temporary construction site, building the walls and window framing for three future affordable Habitat for Humanity homes in Norwood.
In partnership with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR), the Mariposa Dairy team worked in two shifts throughout the day, constructing critical components that will soon become three single-family homes for local families on their path to affordable homeownership.
Known across the region for producing award-winning goat and sheep milk cheeses, Mariposa Dairy has long demonstrated a commitment to investing in the communities where its employees live and work. Today’s build reflects that same community-minded approach, helping create opportunities for local families while strengthening the region as a whole.
Affordable homeownership does more than provide a roof over a family’s head. It creates stability, allows families to build equity, and provides a foundation for long-term success. When families have access to safe and affordable housing, they are better positioned to participate in the workforce, contribute to the local economy, and build stronger communities for future generations. Homeowner incomes grow by 30 per cent compared to if they had continued renting, translating into an estimated $35 million being injected into Canada’s economy every year by Habitat homeowners.
“At Mariposa Dairy, our core values of integrity, growth, and resilience extend beyond our workplace and into the communities we’re part of,” said Ellen Edney, engagement leader at Mariposa Dairy, in a press release. “We believe having a safe and stable home creates opportunity for individuals and families to grow and build a stronger future. That’s why we’re proud to support Habitat for Humanity and their meaningful work.”
The build day brought together employees from across the company, Habitat PKR staff, and community partners, including local radio station KX105, which helped create an energetic atmosphere throughout the day while sharing the story of affordable housing with listeners across the region.
Susan Zambonin, CEO of Habitat PKR, joined the Mariposa team on the build site and praised the company’s hands-on commitment to making a difference. “I’m incredibly grateful for businesses like Mariposa Dairy that don’t just talk about supporting their communities—they show up and get the work done,” said Zambonin. “This wasn’t symbolic. These walls and window frames will become part of real homes for real families. Today, Mariposa employees made a tangible contribution that will have a lasting impact on our community, and we’re proud to build alongside them.”
The walls and framing components constructed during today’s event will be transported to Norwood, where they will form part of three new affordable homes. Once complete, the homes will provide three local families with an opportunity to achieve affordable homeownership through Habitat’s program, helping them build stability, equity, and a brighter future.
