This understanding of the challenges many people face led to Alex spending many years studying the intricacies of the global housing situation, which culminated in the publishing of his book, “The 22-Year Vacation, or The New Home Order,” in 2017. So when his siding company—built around a foundation of providing high-quality service with fair labour—became one of the fastest-growing in North America, Alex seized the chance to leverage his success to change the lives of those who needed it most. 

“With the success of Ideal Siding, my goal is to help others achieve what I have been able to experience, and ������ is there to help us realize that goal.”
– Alex Filipuk

Alex first became a ������ Ambassador in 2024, partnering with one of Ideal Siding’s largest suppliers, , to build a home for a family living in extreme poverty in one of Mexico’s poorest regions. A few months later, Ideal Siding funded another home with . One by one, they have given families a safe place to call home and the foundations for a better future. 

But that was just the beginning. 

This summer, Ideal Siding has created an innovative new way to make targeted social change in partnership with ������. When discussing their past contributions, Alex said, “I have found that we are stronger when we team up to make a difference.” This is the core of this incredible new program, in which part proceeds from every siding project will be donated to build a brand new Legacy Village. 

By engaging independent franchises across North America, Alex has fearlessly led his team to become agents of positive social impact, all while continuing to provide exceptional service and quality exteriors for their clients. It shows just how much people can do when we come together to make a difference. From business owners and employees to every Ideal Siding customer, every person involved—no matter how small—is a part of this legacy of change. 

“The homes ������ provides is not just about shelter; it’s about providing stability, and access to healthcare and education. Together, we can strengthen these pillars of social change to create sustainable generational impact.”
– Alex Filipuk

Drip by drip, every dollar contributed will help build a home for families currently living in unsafe conditions, many without access to clean water or adequate nutrition. The ripples they create will be felt forever, making generational change that will give these families the ability to lift themselves out of poverty and live a better, healthier, fuller life. 

Learn how you can get involved and help us build a home for everyone. 

Today, it’s built into the way they operate, with a that encourages employees to make a meaningful difference by volunteering or fundraising for a cause they believe in. And so with each new office that has opened across the country, FCT’s impact has been felt through the community as the entire team commits their time and efforts towards making the world a better place. 

This positive momentum comes straight from the top. FCT’s company-wide commitment to fight youth homelessness has led to strong community partnerships and dedicated philanthropy—two pillars that led FCT to partner with ������ in 2024. 

Through their first contribution in 2024, FCT helped transform the lives of young women who were living in extreme poverty in Zambia, without access to education or the resources they need to thrive. For the first time, these girls have a safe place to call home, with a roof overhead, access to clean water, and education that will change the trajectory of their lives. 

After seeing the impact their contribution had made, FCT doubled down this spring with another incredible $25,000 donation! With this contribution, five families currently living amongst sewege and trash will finally have the dignity and safety of a roof overhead, and take their first step towards the generational change that comes when you put housing first.

Every year, FCT gives back to both local and global communities through impact leadership and company-wide efforts to combat homelessness and support vulnerable youth around the world. We are honoured to have FCT as a ������ Ambassador and a partner in this mission. 

RentSpree, the leading U.S.-based rental software platform connecting renters, agents, and landlords, marked its 10-year anniversary this March with a renewed commitment to housing access and stability. The company announced a new partnership with ������ to help build safe homes for families in need around the world.

Operating at the center of the U.S. rental market, RentSpree sees every day how deeply housing impacts financial stability, mobility, and opportunity. As affordability pressures continue to shape the U.S. housing landscape, the company’s focus remains clear: making renting more transparent, efficient, and accessible for millions nationwide.

Co-founded by Michael Lucarelli and Paul Sirisuphang, RentSpree has grown into one of the country’s most widely used rental platforms. Today, the company supports millions of users and partners with MLSs and brokerages across the United States, powered by a global team of more than 130 employees in Seattle and Bangkok.

As RentSpree enters its second decade, it is broadening its impact. Through this partnership, the company will donate $0.10 to ������ for every property representative who signs up in 2026. Growth on the platform will directly support housing initiatives abroad.

Funds will help advance projects such as the Girls Safe House in Zambia, which provides 30 young women with safe shelter and access to education. The initiative aligns with RentSpree’s broader commitment to empowerment through its own programs, such as its women’s initiative called RENEW (Real Estate Network of Empowered Women).

������, a nonprofit headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, has built safe homes for more than 5,000 people across nine countries. Working with global NGO partners, the organization focuses on women and families experiencing extreme poverty, providing shelter alongside access to clean water, education, and healthcare. The ripple effect begins with safe housing and creates a foundation for long-term change.

“Housing stability changes the trajectory of a family’s future,” said Michael Lucarelli, CEO of RentSpree. “Our work in the U.S. centers on making the rental process more equitable in a challenging affordability environment. Partnering with ������ allows us to extend that same belief globally: that safe housing is foundational to opportunity and dignity.”

Guided by the conviction that shelter is fundamental, RentSpree and ������ are working together to expand access to safe housing and help build stronger communities.

We are proud and grateful to have Richard as Chair of ������’s Board of Directors. There are very few who cover as much ground as Richard, or touch as many people with his fierce determination to make this world a better place. From Latin roots, philanthropy means ‘love of humankind’… this is the perfect word to describe Richard! We see Richard as the rock, the guiding light, the steady rudder of the ship and wanted to share a little of his story to paint the picture of all he has accomplished.

Richard in action with ������

Richard Bell is founding partner of Bell Alliance LLP, a Vancouver based company he started in 2006. It is where he serves as an ‘estate lawyer’ and leads a team of 70+ lawyers, immigration consultants, paralegals and support staff at one of Vancouver’s largest firms specializing in real estate, business and corporate law, estate planning, estate management and probate, wills & trusts, and immigration. 

If being a full-time practising lawyer and business owner isn’t enough to keep you busy, Richard also finds time and is incredibly committed and involved in his family life. He is a father of two daughters, a grandfather, son and caregiver for his 97 year old mother, and dog parent to Cooper, who all live on their multi-generational compound in Vancouver. Despite having more than a full and busy life, Richard finds the time to volunteer his leadership, business acumen and unflappable energy actively involved in not one, but six different non-profit organizations.

The following are excerpts from nomination letters in support of Richard, to help give a glimpse into the life of this true philanthropist.

WORLD HOUSING ORGANIZATION

“Richard is a natural, empathetic leader who has played a vital role in expanding our mission. Under his leadership, ������ continues to provide homes for homeless individuals in Cambodia, Colombia, Africa, the Philippines, and Mexico. Equally important, Richard’s hands-on approach has helped us consistently raise donor funding to ensure that our work includes not only housing, but also critical support services such as education, nutrition, and healthcare. While it’s difficult to fully capture the depth of Richard’s passion and commitment in a single letter, I can say without hesitation that his contributions have led to measurable, lasting impact. Thousands of lives have been improved because of his vision, generosity, and leadership.” — Peter Dupuis, Co-Founder ������

ARTS CLUB THEATRE

Richard is a former Arts Club Board Chair as well as one of the founders and current members of the Arts Club’s Legacy Circle that formalized the Arts Club Planned Giving program and continues strong today. Richard inspires legacy giving to others and speaks on charitable giving at numerous public and business seminars. His personal estate plan includes the Arts Club and numerous of other charities. Richard doesn’t just donate time or money, he builds structures, literally and metaphorically, that uplift others. Whether through legacy fundraising at a leading arts institution, guiding nonprofits through complex transitions, or creating housing solutions that challenge the status quo, Richard brings vision and compassion to every endeavor. In honoring Richard Bell with the Outstanding Legacy Philanthropist Award, we recognize not only what he has done, but how he has done it—with humility, heart, and a tireless belief in the power of human connection. — Ruby Campbell, Arts Club Theatre

FAB – FIT ACTIVE BEAUTIFUL FOUNDATION

As a grassroots organization with no government funding, supporters like Richard help make
our programs possible—and sustainable. As a recurring donor, Richard’s annual gifts have
been a steady and dependable source of financial support. This consistency allows us to plan
more confidently, sustain programming, and focus on long-term impact rather than short-term
survival. His commitment over more than 15 years speaks volumes about his values and the
way he chooses to support community-based work. As someone who has personally known Richard for 25 years, I have had a front row seat to the endless ways he has and continues to strengthen community. He has had a personal hand in directing millions of dollars into the not-for-profit sector through his own contributions, fundraising efforts on behalf of organizations, and championing efforts to encourage his estate planning clients to give after they pass. It is not just one thing that he does that will have a lasting impact, it is truly who he is, what he believes and what he does every day that has created a legacy of giving that will benefit the world for decades to come. –Sharon Gallant, Founder

LATINCOUVER

I met Richard during the early years of Latincouver, when I was cold-calling organizations to share our vision. Out of hundreds of emails, Richard responded with genuine interest. He invited me to his office to learn more about our mission: to create a space that celebrates Latin American arts and culture while helping newcomers build community in Canada. In 2013, Richard became our first corporate sponsor – his support was a pivotal moment that gave me, as a new founder, the confidence to keep going. Beyond sponsorship, Richard has always shown up. He offered us meeting rooms and recording studios, which helped us establish credibility early on. As a lawyer, he’s also provided valuable legal advice over the years, without charge, during moments when we needed it most. Recently, Richard played a pivotal role in our first fundraising event, inspiring attendees to contribute and providing invaluable support throughout. Twelve years later, Richard remains a true friend of our organization. He supports not just with resources, but with heart. He empowers others to build sustainable change—he doesn’t just give the fish, he teaches how to fish. — Paola V Murrillo, Founder and Executive Director.

SMALL HOUSING BC

Richard Bell has been an outstanding colleague whose generous and openhearted manner has
deeply impacted me. From the beginning, he was an early supporter of Small Housing BC, the non-profit I founded to expand housing options on single lots in Vancouver. Recognizing the potential of this housing model to provide attainable homes for families across BC, Richard backed our startup with a personal grant. With encouragement, he later joined the board and has since played a leading role in shaping the organization’s growth. Today, Small Housing BC is a recognized force in progressive residential land use. Richard’s strategic thinking, creativity, and unwavering values continue to drive meaningful impact in the housing sector. He is a principled and deeply humane professional I greatly admire. — Jake Fry, Founder of Small Housing B.C. and Smallworks

PALS – ADULT SERVICES SOCIETY

I first met Richard in 2010 when his law firm Bell Alliance provided services and advice to families connected to PLAN (Planned Life Advocacy Network) in structuring and planning Wills & Trusts for their loved ones with disabilities. I was Executive Director of PLAN (Interim) and was impressed by his knowledge, candour, and particularly his generosity with his time. Rare for law firms, and so precious in the not-for-profit sector! Since then, the relationship has grown as he freely gives his time and expertise to the VPTG (Vancouver Parents Transition Group) for families planning to support their children with disabilities in adulthood and now PASS (PALS Adult Services Society) for adults living with autism. This latter includes funding though donations to PASS, and also helping us develop independent supported housing solutions for those with developmental disabilities. –John McCulloch, Chair

One of Richard’s favourite quotes, and words to live by!

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill

After her death, going back to school became a big challenge. My relatives even tried to force me into marriage, so that I could take care of my dad in his old age. They said it was the only way out, as I was the eldest in the family, but they wanted to trade my future for survival. At one point, they even brought a man to marry me, someone I didn’t know, someone I didn’t choose. I was terrified. My heart was broken.

I had to run away to my guidance teacher who introduced me to the Safe House. When I arrived at the Safe House, I was happily welcomed. I love it here; it is a very peaceful environment. It provides an opportunity for me to study and go to school. It gives me a chance to excel academically and provides the opportunity to learn a variety of life skills.

I have friends and mentors who can help me grow physically and emotionally. Not forgetting the various activities at the Safe House such as singing and dancing which I enjoy in my leisure time. I am very grateful to be at the Safe House, as I have an opportunity to fulfill my dream of getting distinctions and going to university one day and making something positive of my life.”

–R�Dz��𳾲�����, The Tilling House, Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia

������’s work, supported by generous donors and building partners, is a shining example of how providing homes can create a ripple effect, transforming lives and entire communities for the better.

Launching Monday, June 23rd, Caleb will debut a powerful video highlighting his recent visit to ������ Communities and Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) facilities. His film will offer an intimate look at life before and after families receive access to safe housing and education. This emotional story will serve as a rallying call to his millions of followers to donate whatever they can toward a $250,000 goal — the cost to build 50 homes at $5,000 per home that will shelter over 200 people. 

“This is about more than shelter. It’s about restoring dignity, opportunity, and a future,” said Caleb Simpson. “Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.”

������ holistic sustainability model for communities include a library, food gardens, playgrounds, and gathering spaces. The homes will be built in partnership with Cambodian Children’s Fund, ������’s longtime partner in Cambodia. ������ provides the homes and CCF provides comprehensive services to empower and elevate the lives of children and families living in poverty.

“All of us at ������ are incredibly excited to welcome Caleb as an Ambassador,” said Don McQuaid, Managing Director of ������. “His passion for storytelling and his commitment to giving back are a perfect match for our mission. This campaign has the power to inspire a global audience to take action and help build homes — and hope — for families who need it most.”

The homes will be built in partnership with Cambodian Children’s Fund, ������’s longtime partner for projects in Cambodia. They provide comprehensive services to empower children and families living in poverty in one of the most deprived areas of Cambodia.

CCF has partnered with ������ for over a decade, completing over 650 homes for vulnerable children and families in Steung Meanchey, Phnom Penh, centred around the city’s former garbage dump – once the largest and most notorious landfill sites in Southeast Asia. While the dumpsite closed in 2009, the area of Steung Meanchey remains home to destitute families living in squalid conditions with little hope.

“The partnership between CCF and ������ has been life-changing,” said Scott Neeson, Founder of Cambodian Children’s Fund. “By combining safe homes with access to education and healthcare, we’re creating the foundation for entire families to thrive — and this collaboration with Caleb will make that possible for even more people.”

All donations will go directly to the project through a dedicated campaign landing page that tracks real-time contributions. The campaign will be amplified through Caleb’s social media channels, including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Follow the campaign and help by making a donation:

YouTube: 

Instagram: 

TikTok: 

Facebook: 

Learn more or donate at: Caleb’s Fundraiser

������ ������
������ is a non-profit organization creating safe and sustainable communities for families living in extreme poverty. Built on the belief that everyone deserves a home, ������ provides not only shelter but access to education, healthcare, food security, and opportunity, transforming lives and building futures.

������ CCF
Cambodian Children’s Fund transforms the country’s most impoverished kids into tomorrow’s leaders by delivering education, family support, and community development programs into the heart of Cambodia’s most at-need communities. CCF believes that with the right education and support, one child has the potential to lift an entire family out of poverty and that a generation of educated children has the power to change a whole society.

Since 2019, Liz and Wayne have been integral members of the ������ community, consistently demonstrating their belief that every family deserves a home and access to essential resources like medicine, food, and education. Each month, they donate a portion of their proceeds from every home inspection completed, totaling over $50,000 in contributions so far.

“It’s my favorite check to write every month,” shared Liz.

Their commitment goes beyond financial support. As seasoned professionals in the home inspection industry and respected Franchise Business Owners of the Pillar To Post home inspection business in Vancouver, BC, Liz and Wayne actively mentor and uplift others in their field. They embody the core values of collaboration, engagement, and support, making them truly deserving of the Regional Brand Champion Award.

Liz and Wayne’s passion for giving back is rooted in their personal experiences.

“As a family, we have had the opportunity to travel the world and see developing countries. Through our past experiences, we have helped to build homes in the Dominican Republic. We then got involved with ������ in 2019, and we are very excited to be Ambassadors to help fund homes for families around the world. We know that through our business, we can connect our clients to this important cause, and together, we will become a better global community,” says Wayne.

Their dedication inspires us all, showcasing how small, consistent contributions can transform the lives of families around the world. Since they were first introduced to ������, the team has built homes in Mexico, the Girls to Grannies village in Cambodia, a family center in Vancouver, Philippines, and now Girls Safe House in Zambia. They reached these milestones by integrating their monthly support directly into their business plan. Liz and Wayne’s story is a powerful reminder that when we support one another, we all grow stronger together.

On behalf of the entire ������ team, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Liz and Wayne on this well-earned recognition. Their contributions continue to inspire and uplift, proving that real change begins with those who care enough to make a difference.

One such story is that of the Tapar family who moved into a new ������ home in the small village of Oguis in the Philippines, which provided safety and security for the whole family. In addition to housing, the Tapar children Joseph, Mary Joy, Patricia, and Jeffrey have had the opportunity to continue their education to help build a brighter future. A scholarship from the Super Seven Group has allowed Jeffrey to attend university, where he and sister Patricia are now in their second year.

Their aunt, Minda Aguilar Tapar, shared a heartfelt letter of gratitude:

“I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the profound impact you’ve had on the Tapar Family. Your kindness, generosity and dedication have changed our lives in ways that we never thought possible”.

“Your support has enabled my nieces and nephews to pursue their studies and to fulfill their dreams and ambitions. One story that stands out is my nephew Joseph, who was born after his mother’s passing and was forever changed by your interventions and support. Thanks to the invaluable support of Sir Mac, Ma’am Marcela, and the Super Seven, Joseph has discovered a fulfilling career that will provide him stability and security”.

“Please know that your efforts have not gone unnoticed. We are forever grateful for your love, care, and commitment to our scholars. You have shown us that goodness still exists in this world, and for that, we’re eternally grateful.”

Beyond providing shelter, stable housing allows children to focus on their schooling which has proven to alter the trajectory of poverty, creating lasting generational change. Many students supported by ������ have shared their inspiring journeys.

Rea’s Story

Rea Mira, the first scholar from Oguis village, recently passed the Board Examination for Teachers and is now a licensed public school teacher. She credits safe housing as a key factor in her ability to focus on her studies and achieve her goals.

“I am writing this letter to express my sincere gratitude for your support as one of your scholars. This opportunity has allowed me to move forward, support my family, and repay the kindness to those who helped me. I have very good news—I passed the board exam on my first attempt! Thank you for believing in me; your trust gave me the courage to persevere and succeed.”

Mary Joy’s Story

Mary Joy, a fourth-year university student, is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the incredible opportunity to pursue my studies. Your generous sponsorship has been instrumental in allowing me to reach this poing and I am eternally grateful for your belief in me. As I prepare to graduate, I want to express my sincere appreciation for your support and commitment to education.  I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my life, and I will always remember your kindness and generosity.”

������’s Work in the Philippines

������ began its work in the Philippines in 2016 building a 64-home community in Manila. ������ returned to the Philippines when with a group of caring individuals from Ontario, Canada reached out for help to rebuild a small community devasted by climate disasters. The aftermath of back-to-back typhoons in 2020 flattened housing and destroyed the infrastructure in places like Oguis and Aroyao Pequeño, impacting people of all ages.

After learning about the initial relief efforts, ������ partnered with a building team led by Aldrin Soriao, a local architect who volunteers his expertise to lead construction projects. Together with a local engineer, they designed durable homes capable of withstanding frequent typhoons. The newly built 10′ x 20′ concrete houses include a kitchen, living area, washroom, toilet connected to a septic system, and access to electricity and water.

Through collaboration and dedication, ������ continues to create lasting change, providing families not just with homes but with hope and opportunity for the future.

Donate Here to help change the lives of more families and children.

According to the most recent data from Mexico’s National Council for the Evaluation of Social Development Policy (CONEVAL), Tulum, the new jewel of the Riviera Maya, is the municipality where tourism has seen the highest growth. Poverty has matched that, creating a scenario where there is inadequate housing for families currently living in the area and those migrating to work in this successful tourism industry.

The first phase of this 400-home master-planned ������ community will consist of 50 homes. In 2025, we will break ground and set the path forward for the coming years to build a holistic community in phases of 30 to 50 homes each. 

The homes will be cinder block designed to be long-standing, safe, and secure. The developers will work with the local community in a participatory design process to ensure the home design and layout fit the lifestyles of the families who will live there. The homes will be part of a community design that includes community gathering and garden spaces and access to local transportation routes and schools for the children of the community.

ABOUT BACALAR’S MANA88

Nestled in the lush jungles of Akumal, just 10 minutes from Tulum’s pristine beaches, Mana 88 offers the perfect balance for full-time living, seasonal escapes, and high-demand vacation rentals.This premier eco-development in the heart of Akumal, Mexico, offering a unique blend of luxury and sustainability. While developing this world-class development, Bacalar Developers are passionately committed to building a safe community for the families who live and work in Tulum area, and offering opportunities for the local economy, while creating a valuable connection with the people who visit the area.

������ is excited to announce a new partnership with Parvis Invest Inc., as an innovative way to amplify our mission of providing homes and essential resources to families in need worldwide. So far, ������ has built over 1,000 homes in nine countries, focusing on creating sustainable communities that offer more than shelter—ensuring access to education, clean water, and healthcare. This collaboration with Parvis, a technology-driven investment platform, represents a significant step in expanding ������’s reach and impact, utilizing real estate investment as a tool for social good.

“Our collaboration with Parvis marks an exciting new chapter in our mission to help solve the global housing crisis” said Sam White, Director of Partnerships and Operations at ������. “Parvis’s platform and network offers a powerful avenue to expand our impact, enabling more people to invest in social impact projects that put more families into safe and stable homes.”

The partnership with Parvis features a dedicated offering page on Parvis’s platform, where investors can contribute directly to ������’s community building projects. This will enable ������ to expand its reach and increase the number of homes built and provided to families living without adequate shelter. The Parvis Invest x ������ collaboration aims to inspire more individuals and investors to join the mission of solving the global housing crisis, reinforcing the transformative power of real estate to create a better world.

Organizations like Parvis play an essential role at ������. Through varied industry experience and influence, they provide new strategies and growth opportunities for ������ as we build homes and communities across the globe.

The team at Parvis Invest will help mobilize resources to address global housing insecurity, offering investors a seamless way to align their financial goals with a cause that drives meaningful change. This initiative highlights ������’s commitment to not just build homes but create opportunities for a better future for underserved communities.

Connect with us here to learn more about getting involved to create a social impact program for your organization.

Learn more about Parvis Invest