our stories
Where there is Habitat, transformation abounds! Families, volunteers, donors, partners, and staff have all been changed by the spirit of neighbour helping neighbour.
Mahesh’s Story
In 2023, Mahesh, his wife, and their three children packed up their lives in Sri Lanka and set their sights on Canada. Like so many families who leave everything familiar behind, they came with hope in their hearts and a dream of building a brighter future together. Those first months weren’t easy. They rented apartments and townhouses, adjusting to the rules, requests, and the reality of neighbours separated only by a wall. Privacy was hard to come by, and freedom even harder. “This was especially challenging for my eldest son,” Mahesh shared. “He is non-verbal and autistic. Sometimes he screams, has meltdowns, or throws tantrums, and the noise led to complaints from landlords. And of course, it’s nearly impossible to keep young children quiet at all times. Our kids love to be outside, exploring, laughing, just being children.” Despite the obstacles, the family never lost sight of their goal: a home of their own. “We dreamed of a backyard where the kids could play freely, without worry – where they could simply be themselves.” That dream felt within reach when they discovered Habitat’s homeownership program. No down payment was required, and the process was simple enough to give them hope. With determination, they filled out the online application, submitting details about their family, proof of income, and the necessary documents. Through it all, Roxanne – Habitat’s staff member and their guiding hand – was there with patience and warmth. She answered questions, helped gather what was needed, and ensured the family never felt alone in the process. The day their approval came through was unforgettable. “Words truly cannot describe how happy we were,” Mahesh recalled. “The kids actually danced when they heard the news – especially when they learned the house would have a backyard.” Soon, Roxanne shared even more wonderful news: a home in Riverdale would be ready for them by May 2025. When the family stepped through its doors for the first time, their hearts knew. This was it – the place they had been imagining all along. The house had everything they had hoped for: four bedrooms, two bathrooms, space to grow, and – most importantly – a huge backyard that promised adventure, laughter, and freedom for the children. For Mahesh and his wife, it also promised something priceless: stability, privacy, and security. The family is eager to take part in Habitat’s Volunteer Program too, seeing it as their chance to give back, to be part of the same circle of kindness that helped them find their home. As Mahesh reflected, his voice carried both gratitude and joy: “Home is more than walls and a roof. It is the place where our family can grow in safety and comfort, surrounded by love and belonging. This home stands as a testament to what is possible when people come together. We are forever grateful to Habitat for making this dream a reality.”
Where We Belong: Allison’s Homeownership Journey
Allison knows what it means to keep going, even when the road feels impossible. As a single mom raising a teenager and a new baby, her days are full — school runs, late nights, and the constant weight of making sure her children have what they need. “Raising my kids has been a big job,” she says, “but I have to give it my all to make sure we have a roof over our heads and some stability.” Before Habitat, that roof was a cramped two-bedroom townhouse. It worked — barely — until Allison learned she was expecting her second child. Suddenly the walls felt like they were closing in. “I panicked,” she remembers. “It was expensive just to think about moving to a bigger place, let alone actually doing it while pregnant and working.” Homeownership always felt like something out of reach. She watched friends — some who were new to Canada — buy homes within a few years, while she was stuck renting. “I felt ashamed,” Allison admits. “I was born here, working hard, paying my bills, but I could never seem to get ahead.” When a friend and her cousin both suggested Habitat, Allison hesitated only for a moment before applying. “I told myself I wouldn’t let this opportunity pass me,” she says. The process wasn’t easy — there were anxious nights and a lot of paperwork — but there was also support. She remembers one staff member in particular who patiently answered every question. “She was God-sent. I prayed for the house I wanted, and I didn’t give up.” The day she was approved is etched in her memory. Allison and her daughter cried and laughed together. “I told her I wouldn’t give up until we got it — and we did. It felt unreal.” Now, life looks different. Each child has their own room. There’s space to cook in the open kitchen, room for Allison’s family to visit from out of town, and a safe neighbourhood to grow roots in. Her daughter has even started volunteering at ReStore, learning new skills and discovering the joy of giving back. For Allison, the word that comes to mind most often is grateful. “This isn’t just a house. It’s where my kids can grow, where we can feel safe, happy, and hopeful. It’s where we belong.” And to the volunteers, donors, and partners who helped build her home, Allison has a simple message: “Thank you, and may God richly bless you.”
A place to call their own: Krystle’s story
“The day we received our keys changed everything,” says Krystle, a new homeowner who moved into her Habitat for Humanity home with her family in 2023. For 16 years, Krystle and her family lived in social housing, in a neighbourhood where safety was a constant concern. The environment was often loud and unpredictable, marked by frequent police activity, vandalism and instability. “It didn’t feel safe for my kids to go outside and play,” she recalls. “Most of the time I had them inside or I would take them to a park a block away.” While working multiple jobs to support her family, Krystle did her best to create a home — even in a space that was small and crowded. Her daughters shared a room with bunk beds, and privacy was limited. But she kept pushing forward, motivated by the hope of finding something better. Encouraged by her father — a former Habitat volunteer — she applied to Habitat for Humanity Edmonton’s homeownership program. Being approved marked a major turning point. Now, Krystle pays an affordable, geared-to-income mortgage on a home that meets her family’s needs. Her daughters each have their own room and a sense of privacy they’ve never had before. In the backyard, they built a trampoline soon after moving in — something that had once only been a dream. “It feels good to give back to something that’s given us so much,” says Krystle, who is close to completing her 500 volunteer partnership hours through Habitat events and community outreach. The changes go beyond housing. With a stable home and lower living costs, Krystle no longer has to juggle multiple jobs. “I don’t need to work three jobs anymore,” she says. “I feel like my one job is enough. A lot of the weight has been lifted.” The shift has dramatically decreased stress levels, improving her physical and mental health and allowing her to be more present for her family. Her eldest daughter is graduating from high school and heading to university to become a psychologist — ambitions she didn’t have before moving to a safer community with positive peer influences. With more stability, Krystle has even started saving for her daughters’ post-secondary education. “I feel like the love within our family has grown because I’m able to be more present for my children.” A set of keys has opened more than a door — it’s unlocked stability, opportunity, and a brighter future for Krystle and her family.
Camillia’s fresh start
When Camillia and her four children moved into their new Habitat home, it felt like a dream years in the making finally coming true. Before becoming a Habitat homeowner, Camillia lived in a three-bedroom townhouse. As a single mother of four, the space was tight, and safety was an ongoing concern. Break-ins and theft were a part of daily life, and although they made the best of it, Camillia knew her family needed more space, more security, and a real chance to thrive. She first heard about Habitat’s program while she was a student, but at the time, she wasn’t eligible. Once she had been working steadily for nearly two years, she decided to take a chance and apply. She was expecting it might take a few years to be accepted. To her surprise, things moved quickly. “I told my sister right away — I said, ‘I got accepted!’” Camillia remembers. “It happened so fast.” Moving into her own home was a powerful moment. For the first time, she felt the excitement of reaching goals she had set for herself 15 years ago: owning a home, finishing her education, and building a stable future for her children. Today, she’s working toward a Bachelor of Social Work, with plans to pursue her master’s degree. She wants to set an example for her children: showing them what’s possible with perseverance and hope. The new home has brought comfort, safety, and a sense of pride. Her children, once squeezed into small shared spaces, now have their own rooms and the freedom to enjoy their backyard. “They don’t fight as much now,” Camillia laughs. “My son loves playing volleyball outside. They finally have their own spaces to just be themselves.” For Camillia, the greatest change has been the feeling of independence and peace. Gone are the days of unexpected landlord visits and worrying about who might be in the yard. She finally feels at home. “Homeownership means equity. It means finally having something that’s mine, something I can leave to my children,” she says. “Things feel lighter now. I feel better about myself. I’m more positive.” To those thinking about applying to Habitat, Camillia doesn’t hesitate: “You’ll benefit so much. You’ll have privacy, stability, and a sense of pride you can’t get from renting. It’s life-changing.” She is filled with gratitude for everyone who made her home possible. “I’m very thankful for the volunteers and the people who donate. It’s a lot of love and heart that goes into this. What happened to me was truly life-changing.”
Vivian & Kevin’s Story
Before becoming Habitat homeowners in November 2024, Vivian and her husband Kevin were living in a friend’s basement in Edmonton. It was a temporary solution that offered shelter, but not the sense of stability they longed for — especially with their first baby on the way in January. The couple had been dreaming of a home of their own for some time. They had even planned to start looking for a mortgage broker in the fall. But everything changed during a camping trip in July when a friend from Leduc shared something that gave them hope: a chance to apply for a home through Habitat for Humanity Edmonton. It was the first time Vivian and Kevin had heard of the program. As soon as they returned from their trip, they applied online and submitted their documents. For the next two weeks, they waited — and prayed. When they received the news that they were pre-approved, they were overwhelmed with emotion. What had once felt impossible was suddenly within reach. On November 18, they received the keys to their very first home in Neufeld Landing. Before stepping inside, they paused to give thanks. The moment was surreal — standing at the doorstep of a place that would no longer belong to someone else, but to them. Now, just a few months later, their home is filled with new energy and life. Their baby’s room is set up, complete with warm décor and thoughtful touches that make it feel welcoming and full of love. Vivian has created a space for guests, too — a home that reflects their values of warmth, hospitality, and family. They’ve embraced the everyday joys of homeownership — being able to cook without sharing a kitchen, decorate freely, and enjoy the comfort of privacy and peace. The home has become a sanctuary, a place where they can truly be themselves and grow together. More than just physical space, this home has given them a sense of security for the future. Instead of putting money into rent with no return, every payment they make now builds toward equity and the long-term dream of even greater stability. For the first time, they’re investing in a future that’s truly theirs. Their neighbourhood is safe, family-friendly, and close to everything they need. Most importantly, it’s a place where they can build a life together, surrounded by love, comfort, and opportunity. To those considering applying to Habitat’s homeownership program, Vivian and Kevin would say this: there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain. And to the donors, volunteers, and community members who made their journey possible — they are endlessly grateful. Their dream of homeownership has become reality. And for this young family, it’s only the beginning.
Pankaj’s Story
For years, Pankaj lived in a small one-room apartment, which suited him just fine as a single man. When he got married, the space still worked — just enough room for two. But when their first child arrived, it quickly became clear they needed more space. He dreamed of buying a home, but rising costs put ownership out of reach. As rent continued to climb, the idea of saving for a house felt impossible. Then, he learned about Habitat for Humanity. The moment he submitted the application, Pankaj was filled with a mix of nerves and excitement. The idea of owning a home felt surreal. He imagined a life of freedom, where every dollar spent was an investment rather than money lost to rent. When the life-changing phone call came, confirming they had been chosen, he could hardly believe it. Standing with his family, they shared in the overwhelming joy, knowing that their journey toward stability had truly begun. They toured a few homes before finding the perfect one — a space that would finally give their children room to play and a place to build lasting memories. Moving day was a dream come true. Holding the keys in his hand, Pankaj felt an immense sense of pride and relief — this was theirs. No more rent increases, no more uncertainty. Their new home had three bedrooms, a living room, and even a backyard. His children finally had space to run and play, even in the winter. One of the things they looked forward to most was gardening. In their old apartment, they had only small pots on the railing. Now, they had a yard where they could grow vegetables and flowers year after year. Owning a home has changed everything. Pankaj no longer worries about unexpected moves or financial instability. His children each have their own room, and the family can now welcome guests without feeling cramped. They even added a fish tank, something they had always wanted but never had space for. Most of all, Pankaj has discovered the joy of giving back — volunteering with Habitat showed him that he had more time to help others than he thought. When he talks to people who dream of owning a home but believe it’s out of reach, he tells them, “Habitat makes it possible.” For Pankaj and his family, this home isn’t just a place to live — it’s a foundation for the future.
Building Independence: Narayan and Supriya’s story
Almost a year ago, Narayan and his wife, Supriya, were renting a small apartment in Edmonton. Their son, Keyange, who uses a wheelchair for mobility, struggled in the cramped space. Unable to navigate the apartment comfortably, he often grew frustrated, which led to frequent noise complaints from neighbors. The family longed for a home where their son could have the space he needed. Narayan knew their challenges would only grow as Keyange got older and required more room to move and play. The narrow staircase leading to their apartment was already a significant concern, and the landlord offered no solutions. Although Narayan dreamed of owning a home, his single income and the high costs of down payments and mortgages made homeownership feel out of reach. Determined to find a better living situation, he began exploring options to buy a home and discovered Habitat Edmonton’s affordable homeownership program. Intrigued, he researched further and realized this could be the opportunity they needed. Without hesitation, he submitted an application and held onto hope. A month of anxious waiting turned into celebration when Narayan received an email approving their application. Moving day was hectic, but Narayan and Supriya were filled with excitement. Their dream of homeownership had finally become a reality. They wasted no time making the house their own, filling it with plants and diving into gardening. Their home, nestled in quiet Fort Saskatchewan, is part of a new community. Narayan’s commute to work is now much shorter, and the spacious basement provides plenty of room for Keyange to play. He moves through their home effortlessly, fostering both his independence and growing confidence. For Narayan and Supriya, it’s more than just a house—it’s a source of peace of mind, knowing that every monthly payment is an investment in their family’s future. Narayan says that owning a home is a different level of happiness, and he encouraged anyone interested in homeownership to apply for Habitat’s program. If you’d like to own a home like Narayan and Supriya, learn more here.
Volunteering With a Heart: Calvin’s ReStore Journey
When Calvin first arrived in Canada, he struggled to meet new friends and gain work experience. His search for opportunities to build skills and interact with his community led him to ReStore, where he began volunteering in January 2024. Although he started at our North location, he quickly noticed the need for support at ReStore West and volunteered to split his time between the two. Since then, Calvin has become an invaluable member of our team. Although he always helps out in any way he can, Calvin particularly enjoys assisting customers. With a warm greeting and a friendly smile, he helps customers find the items they are searching for. He also supports loading and unloading donations, pricing and packaging items, and maintaining store cleanliness and safety. Calvin enjoys volunteering at ReStore because he likes to give back to his community. He shares Habitat Edmonton’s values of supporting families in need and feels proud to contribute to an organization that makes such a positive impact. ReStore has also taught him a number of skills in retail work and warehouse management, increasing his confidence and independence. What Calvin loves most about volunteering at ReStore is the sense of community he’s found. Other volunteers, homeowners, and staff at ReStore have all been kind and supportive, leaving a lasting impression on him. Their support was especially meaningful when Calvin faced a personal loss, and the entire ReStore team offered hugs, encouragement, and support. Next time you stop by ReStore North or West, keep an eye out for Calvin. His bright smile and friendliness is hard to miss! If you’d like to volunteer at ReStore like Calvin, learn more here.
A Home of her own: Liyu’s homeownership journey
As Liyu sat in her apartment in the spring of 2024, she looked around her surroundings with frustration. Her daughter, Lidet, sat at her desk in the corner of the living room completing her homework, while her son, Meba, tried to navigate the cramped kitchen. Although a small greenspace sat behind the apartment, Liyu knew that her second son, Robel, who is on the autism spectrum, needed close supervision when playing outside. Toys were scattered throughout the three small bedrooms and the carpet, which covered the entire apartment, remained stubbornly dirty despite Liyu’s best efforts. Her dust mite allergy made cleaning it a daily battle, and no matter how hard she tried, it always appeared unclean. Looking around, Liyu thought about how desperately she wanted a home that would fit her family’s needs – somewhere safe and stable. It wasn’t long until Liyu decided that enough was enough. She began searching for a new place to live, but her excitement at the prospect of a new home quickly became disappointment. With her husband’s job based on commission, saving enough for a down payment on a home was impossible. With the little savings they had, it was difficult for Liyu to find a home that wasn’t old and run down, and she found herself continuously viewing apartments that were not much better than their current living conditions. In the end, Liyu was stuck in the rent cycle. It wasn’t until Liyu heard of Habitat’s affordable homeownership program that her luck began to change, and although her initial application was denied, her friends encouraged her not to give up and to apply again. Her second application was a success, and just seven days after applying, she was calling her husband to let him know the good news. To say every member of the family was excited to move into their home is an understatement. Liyu almost couldn’t believe her eyes at the size of the home, and her daughter was jumping around, unable to contain her excitement. Now, her oldest son is proud to have his own room and space that he can call his own, and Liyu sees him gaining confidence each day, regularly inviting his friends over after school to visit. Liyu has noticed that her daughter no longer spends all day watching TV, and instead spends her time downstairs reading books and making art. All the children enjoy their spacious backyard, where Liyu no longer needs to worry about their safety, and can supervise them from the kitchen window. For the entire family, there is now more room, and the family has separate spaces for the children to play, to store items, and to relax. Liyu is most proud of her clean house, which she is able to easily maintain, and can’t wait to start gardening next year. To Liyu, homeownership means peace of mind. Now, she is confident and secure, and she feels accomplished. She is eternally grateful for Habitat’s support and does not have enough words to express her gratitude. She encourages anyone interested in owning a home to apply today.
Home at last: How Habitat Edmonton transformed Odion’s life
By the time Odion was in grade 12, she had moved 12 times. Growing up, it was difficult for her to make lasting memories and relationships and, as an adult, a pattern of instability continued. The last straw for Odion was when she learned her apartment was set to be demolished and she would need to move again. Having volunteered for Habitat Edmonton while serving on Habitat’s Community Advisory Council, Odion decided it was time to apply to own her own home. “Habitat had been on my radar for over a decade, but I never fit the requirements,” said Odion. This time, however, was different. She now qualified, and jumped at the opportunity. Expecting a long wait, Odion settled back into her routine, but was shocked when shortly after she received an email stating she was approved for a Habitat home. In May 2024, keys in hand, Odion stepped into her Habitat home for the first time. Overwhelmed by a range of emotions, she laid on the floor, trying to make sense of how it was she now owned a home. From that moment on, Odion wasted no time settling in and making her home her own. She made more trips to Home Depot in the first month of homeownership than she ever had in her life, and asked her grandfather to start calling her a ‘grandadult’. Now that Odion is a homeowner, her life has changed dramatically. Her monthly fees were less than when she rented, and she is no longer spending 40-50% of her income on housing. She is beginning to think of the future instead of focusing on survival. She’s also considering getting a dog and the possibility of having a family. For the first time in a while, Odion says her nervous system is calm. Her home gives her a sense of safety and security, and she is growing in confidence. “My home allows me to create a strong foundation for my future,” said Odion. “I’ve started my PhD now that I know I will be here for a long time.” To Odion, homeownership means generational change. She is developing new generational patterns by building equity and a strong and stable foundation. Odion encourages anyone interested in owning a home to apply to Habitat – even if they think they might not qualify. Learn how you can own an affordable home.
From a cold basement to a cozy home: Amy’s homeownership journey
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. View our available homes and become a homeowner today!
Why Grant loves volunteering at ReStore
For the past six years, Grant has dedicated his time and energy to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, and his commitment has made a lasting impact, particularly at ReStore. Listen to why he enjoys spending his time at ReStore:
How Habitat empowered Mansimran to start a new chapter
For the longest time, Mansimran can remember wanting to own a home. Her childhood was marked by frequent moves, so she rarely experienced stability or permanence in one home. As an adult she rented apartments but longed for a space to call her own. Having family or friends over for dinner was uncomfortable with three other roommates, and she couldn’t decorate the living room or organize the kitchen to her liking. The final straw was when Mansimran and her three roommates were forced to work from home amid Covid, and the cramped space became unbearable. Deciding to change her living circumstances was the easy part, the hard part was finding an affordable place to live. Despite her efforts, finding an apartment with reasonable rent was difficult, so homeownership was most definitely out of the question. After months of searching, Mansimran was out of options, and feared she would have to stay in her apartment with her roommates. That was until she learned about Habitat for Humanity. A friend who had recently moved into a Habitat home mentioned the program over coffee one day, suggesting Mansimran should apply. Surprised that such a program existed, Mansimran discussed the opportunity with her parents who encouraged her to learn more. Although she was excited at the idea of owning a home, Mansimran was hesitant. Having faced numerous setbacks before, she doubted this opportunity would work out. “I don’t get things easily,” she said. “I often struggle a lot.” Despite her reservations, Mansimran took a leap of faith and applied for Habitat homeownership. A short while later Mansimran received word that she was approved as a homeowner. She was shocked! All her dreams were about to come true. “It is so emotional for me because it means that somebody from my family has a place of their own,” she said. “That means a lot. This home has my name on it!” The first night in her own home was surreal, and Mansimran had a hard time wrapping her head around the fact that she was a homeowner. The shock quickly gave way to excitement, and she jumped into homeowner mode, purchasing a dining table and inviting her friends over for dinner. Even though the dining table and chairs were the only pieces of furniture in her home, Mansimran says that was the best dinner of her life. For Mansimran, the best part about owning her home is the ability to organize and decorate it as she pleases. For years her living space felt temporary, and she was forced to live out of boxes due to the lack of space. Now she can decorate to her heart’s content and no longer worries about coming home to a messy apartment. She finds herself reading constantly, something she was unable to do before without being interrupted by her many roommates. Since moving in, she’s already finished reading four books, and values her new alone time. Mansimran sees homeownership as her first step into a stable life. She now has confidence and motivation to pursue exciting paths for her future. “Now my feet are grounded,” she says. “I’m so excited to start looking for more opportunities.” Learn how you can own an affordable home!
Behind the scenes with Ogo at ReStore
While shopping at ReStore, you might run into Ogo. Whether you’re looking to purchase a much-needed item or searching for a unique piece, Ogo will stop at nothing to help you find what you’re looking for. Twice a week, this dedicated volunteer spends her time labelling items, stocking shelves, and of course, helping customers. Ogo discovered ReStore last year while searching for employment opportunities. A staff member at an employment center recommended that she volunteer, which would help improve her resume and give her something to do in her spare time. Although she knew little about Habitat for Humanity, and even less about ReStore, Ogo gave volunteering a try. In just a few days she was hooked. ReStore’s values align with Ogo’s, and it’s for that reason she chooses to spend much of her time there. She believes in providing a helping hand to those in need and loves giving her time to do so. Ogo says her time at ReStore has taught her the value of volunteering, and even after she has a full-time job, she will continue to donate her time. In fact, Ogo’s entire week is spent volunteering, and when not at ReStore she can be found volunteering at the Hope Mission on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Ogo also likes to spend time at ReStore because of the people. She says the other volunteers, staff, and managers are all kind and supportive, and have even offered to be a reference when searching for jobs. In addition to staff and volunteers, Ogo enjoys helping customers find items. She sees all kinds of people at ReStore, and especially likes helping women in construction search for items they might need. Soon, Ogo will get married, and she is looking forward to moving to Japan to complete her PhD. Although our time with her is limited, we are forever grateful to Ogo for volunteering at ReStore. Learn how you can volunteer at ReStore!
Keys to happiness: Donnah’s homeownership story
On the night of March 31, Donnah, her husband Alvin, and their daughter Chloe were wide awake. Laying in their sleeping bags on an empty living room floor, the three gazed around, in awe of what was now their home. Being too excited to sleep, they sat up and spent the night discussing their future. For the first time in their lives, they owned a home and couldn’t wait to make it their very own. Just a few months earlier, Donnah and Alvin were renting an apartment. They were working hard to purchase a home but found roadblocks at every turn. Securing a down payment seemed impossible, and options like rent-to-own were equally inaccessible. Their dream of homeownership slipped further and further away with each setback, leaving Donnah feeling increasingly disheartened. When a friend who had recently bought a home remarked, “You should really get your own house, it’s about time,” Donnah felt a wave of frustration over their lack of progress in achieving homeownership. It wasn’t until Donnah saw a Habitat ad on Facebook that she thought owning a home might be a possibility. With her friend’s words ringing in her ear, she visited Habitat’s website, noting the benefit of no down payment. Still skeptical, she recalled that a co-worker had become a homeowner through Habitat and asked her for advice. Encouraged by the positive experience, Donnah, Alvin, and Chloe, spent the evening applying to be homeowners. A short while later, Donnah received a call from Habitat; her family was approved and would soon be homeowners! At work and unable to contain her excitement, Donnah jumped from her chair, cheered, and began to cry. Her concerned co-workers quickly realized these were tears of joy and congratulated her. The news couldn’t have come at a better time, as Chloe was about to undergo heart surgery, and the extra space in their Habitat home would provide the perfect environment for her recovery. “It’s like everything fell into place at the right time,” said Donnah. In their home, the family has more room to live comfortably, no longer needing to squeeze past each other to enter the kitchen. Their new neighborhood is safe and quiet, and they sleep soundly at night. Alvin takes pride in maintaining the garden and front yard, while Donnah enjoys decorating the living room. Chloe is thrilled to have her own room and has remarked that she can now sleep well without her dad snoring by her ears. Even their cat, Franko, is thriving in the new environment. Donnah is grateful to Habitat for empowering her to become a homeowner, and she is eager to make lasting memories in their new home. She encourages anyone who is considering Habitat homeowner to apply as soon as they can. Despite that you might think, she says, it isn’t too good to be true! Learn how you can become a Habitat homeowner.
