Habitat for Humanity GTA > Meaning of Home

National Writing Contest
for Grades 4, 5 and 6

January 8 to February 23, 2024

Meaning of Home

The 17th annual Meaning of Home contest (January 8, 2024 to February 23, 2024), invites Grades 4, 5 and 6 students from across Canada to submit a written poem or essay (English or French) explaining what home means to them. There is no cost to enter. Working with founding sponsor Sagen^TM since 2007, over 100,000 students have shared what home means to them. Thanks to their inspiring words, and the support of our generous sponsors, the Meaning of Home contest has raised over $2.3 million to build homes across Canada for families in need of decent and affordable housing.

The Habitat for Humanity Canada Meaning of Home contest is a great way to:

Encourage independent and critical thought
Promote creative writing
Increase awareness around social issues
Promote community involvement

Contest Timeline

Fall 2023: Teacher sign-up starts
January 8, 2024: Contest opens for submissions
February 23, 2024: Contest closes
February 26 to April 30, 2024: Judging period
May 2024: Winners announced

Prizes

Grand Prize (1 from each grade)

$30,000 grant to be directed to a local Habitat build project
iPad + Pizza Party for student

Runner Up (3 from each grade)

$10,000 grant to be directed to a local Habitat build project
Tablet + Pizza Party for student

All Entries

All entries result in a $10 donation to a local Habitat

Founding Sponsor

Interested to participate?

Sign up on meaningofhome.ca to receive contest information, download teacher and parent toolkits and receive important updates.

Hurry and submit your entries. The Meaning of Home contest closes February 23, 2024.

Engage students in creative writing and learning about civic responsibility, while providing them with a unique opportunity to make a difference in their community.

For each submission, a local Habitat will receive a $10 donation from founding sponsor Sagen to help provide local families with a safe, decent and affordable place to live.

Together, we’re helping families building strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.

National Writing Contest for Grades 4, 5 and 6