In 2018, Amy and her daughter, Sam, moved to Canada with the few possessions they had, and settled into an apartment in Edmonton. Moving two more times in five years, they found themselves renting small basement suites until Amy became frustrated. It seemed to Amy that everyone she knew owned a home and hearing them talk about their cozy and comfortable homes made her grow even more disillusioned. The basement suite was always cold, and Amy found herself wearing sweaters even in the summer. The basement also lacked privacy, and with a shared entranceway, Amy was concerned about safety. She noticed that as Sam grew older, she became embarrassed to invite friends over, and when Sam asked to skip celebrating her sixteenth birthday in the basement, Amy knew it was time to act.
Having dreamed of homeownership for years, Amy began to pursue owning a home, but as a single mother, it was very difficult. Expensive down payments and mortgage payments meant Amy could not provide Sam with the safe and stable home she deserved. Seeing her frustration, Amy’s brother told her about Habitat Edmonton, and encouraged her to apply for homeownership. Filled with hope and excitement, Amy applied and waited patiently to hear back, and a few months later, Amy received the good news.
“I was at work when I saw the email, and I jumped for joy as soon as I read it,” said Amy. “I was so excited, and I called my brother. I couldn’t believe it really happened, and that now I could own my own home.”
She was approved, and a short three months later, Amy and Sam stepped foot in their own home. Now, Sam and Amy love their home and feel proud inviting others over to visit. Sam regularly tells Amy how much she enjoys their new home. It is nice to study in sunlight and she looks forward to adding a big sound system to her space. Sam feels comfortable staying home alone and has become more independent, and she has developed a positive attitude.
To Amy, homeownership means comfort and stability. While the basement suites she rented were always cold, Amy now enjoys wearing shorts and t-shirts, and leaving the windows open to enjoy fresh air. She relaxes in the backyard and is planning to grow a garden in the summer. Now, Amy’s parents can comfortably visit and stay overnight, and Amy no longer worries about affording rent or needing to move. She says her Habitat home is sustainable and has helped her build independence and happiness. She is proud to own her own home.
