We’re excited to announce that the Meaning of Home writing contest returns for its 19th year on January 5, 2026! 

Submissions open January 5, 2026

Submissions close February 20, 2026

Open to students in grades 4, 5, and 6, this contest invites them to submit a poem or essay about what home means to them.

Run in support of Habitat for Humanity, the contest offers students a chance to reflect on the importance of safe and affordable housing while developing their creative writing skills and giving back to their communities.

Here’s how it works:

• For every student submission, our sponsors donate $10 to your local Habitat for Humanity.
• Three grand prize winners will each earn a $30,000 grant for their local Habitat.
• Nine runners-up will each earn a $10,000 grant.
• Students and classrooms will also receive individual prizes.

To support classroom participation, they have developed a free teacher toolkit with lesson plans and activities that align with Language Arts curriculum goals, including:

• Crafting original, thoughtful writing
• Organizing ideas for a specific audience and purpose
• Expressing personal opinions
• Using proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Developing editing and revision skills

The Meaning of Home contest is a meaningful, real-world learning opportunity your students will enjoy – and one that makes a lasting impact in the community.

To learn more and access resources, visit meaningofhome.ca.

If you would like to participate, please email Habitat for Humanity at community@hfh.org. They will send you a package with more details about the contest, including the judging criteria, instructions on how to enter submissions, lesson plans, and promotional materials. They have materials available in English and French.

Thank you!

Habitat for Humanity Edmonton
8210 Yellowhead Trail NW
Edmonton, AB T5B 1G5
+1 780 479 3566