Building up communities with a strong foundation

Habitat for Humanity Manitoba is a non-profit organization in Canada that believes everyone deserves a safe and decent place to live. At a time when affordable housing has become less accessible, Habitat Manitoba has helped more than 500 families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through their affordable homeownership model. This year, a team at RTDS Technologies-a business of AMETEK, Inc.-contributed to Habitat Manitoba's mission through financial support and direct action.

Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, RTDS Technologies has served the power industry for more than 30 years. Their products allow engineers to simulate electrical grids, test equipment, and analyze scenarios in real time, which is crucial for designing and optimizing energy systems, including renewables and smart grids. Through partnerships with organizations like Habitat Manitoba, RTDS is not only shaping the future of power systems but also empowering local communities.

Habitat Manitoba recently broke ground on its largest development to date, and a team from RTDS Technologies was there to work alongside future Habitat homeowners and Habitat's expert construction staff for a home build along Pandora Avenue West in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Situated on three acres of land, Habitat Manitoba is building 11 blocks of 5 townhouses each, for a total of 55 homes when the project is finished. It will house approximately 275 people, including 175 children. The homes are being built to the highest standards of energy efficiency with a carbon neutral footprint, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainability between RTDS Technologies and Habitat Manitoba. This focus on efficiency also means that there will be less of a financial burden on families when it comes to monthly utility bills.

"My son and I are so glad to own a house in this area and be a part of the community. It gives us a sense of belonging and contentment," said Jackie, a Habitat Manitoba homeowner. "My son is happier since we moved. I can say that it has awakened our sense of creativity, and more so, developed our self-esteem. Overall, Habitat did not just help us with a house, but also a healthier state of mind."

Habitat not only brings families together, it also brings together volunteers committed to making an impact in their communities. To help drive participation and donations, RTDS Technologies hosted a fundraising event coupled with a matching donation from the AMETEK Foundation that enabled RTDS Technologies to sponsor three full days of volunteer work on the Pandora Avenue West construction site for 30 of its employees.

"The Habitat Manitoba home build was a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community while also team building," said Kelly McNeill, DVP Business Manager at RTDS Technologies. "Our colleagues were eager to get involved, and they enjoyed the rewarding nature of the work and the impact they were able to witness firsthand."

At RTDS Technologies, and across all of AMETEK, we believe in taking action to strengthen the communities where we live and work. Whether it's volunteering to improve affordable housing or holding fundraisers to benefit local non-profit organizations, we strive to make a difference to every day.