our stories

Many volunteers have told us that volunteering with Habitat Edmonton is like joining a big, welcoming family. Soobin, a University of Alberta Psychology student, has been a valued ReStore volunteer since she joined the Habitat family in 2021. “It feels like I’ve been here for so much longer because of how welcoming everyone is – I fit right in from the get-go.” Soobin explained that the reason volunteers at the Habitat ReStore is because she knows her time ultimately helps families change their lives, and she wanted to be a part of this transformation. “Every single donated item, every single purchase goes towards a greater good: making dreams of owning a home a reality,” said Soobin. “I feel like it’s my responsibility to give back to the community and lend a helping hand, even if that means giving of my time while I’m in school and working elsewhere.” “The ReStore is a wonderful cycle of everyone helping each other out indirectly, but having a direct impact in the end. It starts with people who have items they no longer have use for who donate them to the ReStore to give them a new life. The cycle continues when people buy the products and the proceeds help families in our community start a new chapter in their life. “ Whether she is carrying one end of a table or sorting through donations in the receiving area, Soobin is an important part of Habitat for Humanity. She is transforming her community, one shift at a time.

Having spent 10 years with Evergreen Co-op as the Rocky Mountain House Hardware Manager, Jason Stewart has been a long-time supporter and donor to Habitat for Humanity through Federated Co-operatives Limited and Sherwin-Williams’ “Communities in Color” program and Evergreen Co-op’s Home Centre. By donating paint and other building materials to various builds, Jason believes in supporting causes such as Habitat Edmonton’s mission of providing affordable homeownership opportunities to deserving families because of the long-lasting impact he and his organization can make to families that need it the most. When Jason attended a home dedication ceremony on behalf of his organization, Jason was able to see first hand the difference Evergreen Co-op’s support of Habitat made to Samantha, a single mother, and her two daughter’s lives in 2020. “It was a heartwarming, humbling and special experience. I felt lucky to be apart of that key ceremony and seeing the smiles on these two young children – both of who had their bedrooms and space for the first time.” Jason goes on to describe in detail how this young family was visibly overcome with joy and a sense of pride for this incredible milestone of receiving their very own during a time of such uncertainty in the midst of the pandemic. “It was a burst of positivity that we all needed during that time. A truly unforgettable experience that continues to remind me why it is that I support Habitat and the families you serve”. By partnering up with Habitat for Humanity Edmonton, Jason strongly believes that he and his organization are making a real difference in people’s lives, and will continue to support our mission, along with local women’s shelters. An alignment of Evergreen Co-op and Habitat Edmonton’s values has led to a truly incredible partnership that has seen many families’ lives changed through affordable homeownership. “Habitat [Edmonton] should be incredibly proud of the work that you do. [Celebrating] thirty years is a major milestone by any measure. Without the dedication of every staff member from the highest to the most entry level position, every volunteer, donor and even the families that you serve all that you have achieved would not be possible. Congratulations on finding what works for you and running a well oiled machine that provides joy and independence to families that otherwise would not have been able to do so on their own.” For more insights on Evergreen Co-op’s relationship with Habitat for Humanity, watch Jason’s interview. To discuss an in-kind donation, or if you have questions, please contact us.

Jymboy, Jennifer and their two children (ages 14 and 9) were living happily in Cold Lake. However, try as they might, they were unable to afford home ownership. Living in what was nicknamed the “chicken coop”, a small townhome in north Cold Lake, they had settled into the reality of life-long renting. The couple soon made a new friend who owned a home in a Habitat for Humanity condo complex known as Spirit Arms. The friend told the couple about her experience with Habitat and how she became a homeowner, even though she was in a renting situation like Jymboy and Jennifer. The friend encouraged them to apply for an upcoming build in Cold Lake. On that day, Jymboy and Jennifer applied, and started the journey toward affordable home ownership. Shortly after they submitted their application and were interviewed, the couple received a call from Habitat informing them that they were the successful candidates. “We cried and jumped around and were screaming – it was just like winning the lottery – we just couldn’t believe it,” said Jymboy. “Home ownership meant that I could provide my family with a house. I dreamed, but never thought I’d be able to do that.” Shortly thereafter, the couple began to work on their 500 volunteer hours. Jymboy said that his volunteer time gave him an incredible feeling of accomplishment. He and Jennifer worked building their own home and also volunteered at the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre. Possibly the best part of their volunteer hours was making lifelong friends. Time flew by and suddenly the day arrived when the family received keys to their new home. “I was nervous because there was a lot of people – but it was a good nervous; I was excited and happy,” said Jymboy. “It was a feeling that’s hard to describe. We all had smiles up to our ears.” Now the family feels at right home. They are enjoying the larger space, gardening, trampoline fun, and Jymboy enjoys fixing things in the garage. But the biggest joy, according to Jymboy, is their family’s stability – knowing that they are building equity in their home for a promising future. Please donate today in support of Habitat Homeownership.

My name is Reier Hendricks, and I would like to share with you the impact Affordable Homeownership through Habitat for Humanity Edmonton has had on my family. The changes are profound – and I believe the best is yet to come. When my wife Rhonda and I were married 21 years ago, we had big plans: I was in university studying computer sciences, and we dreamed of having four kids and a good home of our own for them to grow up in. As we started our family, we began experiencing setbacks to our dreams. My physical health became an issue, which prevented me from completing my education, and I was unable to get the job I needed to support my family. We have had the four kids we dreamed of, three of whom have special needs. Rhonda has been unable to work due to challenges with mental health. During the first 12 years of our marriage, we lived in many different housing situations. We lived with family members, in co-op housing, and in subsidized housing. Seven years ago, I was able to gain stable employment where my health and physical limitations were no longer an issue. We moved from subsidized housing into a 70-year-old townhome. It was the only place we could afford that fit our family of six. When we moved in, we were told that our home would likely be torn down within five years. This townhome was an upgrade compared to where we had lived previously. Even still, safety was a major concern. In the six years we lived there, my car was broken into twice, and we were awakened in the night when the police raided our neighbors. My biggest concern was that we would have to move again and we would not be able to find a home we could afford. My second concern was my ability to keep up with yearly rent increases. My third concern was how small the house was, and sharing one bathroom with three teenagers. Rhonda and I still dreamed constantly about owning a home, but we had nearly given up on this ever becoming a possibility for us. Two years ago, I received a promotion at work, and Rhonda and I were hopeful that this was the break we needed to become homeowners. I looked into what it would take to buy a home, and worked out the math: if we saved for the next 10 years, we could afford the down payment… as long as rent did not outpace my income… as long as we were not forced to move somewhere more expensive… and as long as my Multiple Sclerosis remained in remission. It was becoming apparent our dream of homeownership was unlikely to come true. Throughout our challenges, we have been fortunate to have the support of our family. One day, my father sent us the link to the Habitat for Humanity website. When we applied for Habitat Homeownership, we didn’t believe there was any possibility we would be accepted. However, as we went through each stage of the application process, it kept getting harder to contain our hope. Then one day we got the phone call: our faith had been rewarded, and we were being given the opportunity to become homeowners! The day finally came when we took possession of our forever home. As we moved our family in, it was the first home that didn’t feel temporary. I no longer have to worry about rent outpacing my income. I no longer have to worry about the lack of safety in the neighborhood: if I forget my cell phone in the van, I don’t have to run across a dark parking lot in the middle of the night while looking over my shoulder. I no longer have to worry about someone using the washing machine and the microwave at the same time, rendering the entire house going dark until I run down to the breaker panel. One of the best parts of our home is having three bathrooms, and not having to worry about squeezing four growing kids and two adults into one bathroom. Rhonda and I are grateful for the changes we have seen in our children. Everyone’s bedrooms are bigger, and our children have their own space to escape from the world when they need it. With the room they’ve been given to grow, they fight less and relax more. Each of them has had the opportunity to make their space their own, rather than just how the furniture fit. Even though there is more space to do things apart, we’ve found that we are doing more things with each other. Kaitlyn and Alex work on puzzles and have board game nights together. Our younger kids never really had a yard or much opportunity to play outside. Now that we have a great yard, we plan to spend more time outdoors. From my family to yours, I wish you a happy holiday season. On behalf of Habitat homeowners, I would like to thank you for supporting Habitat for Humanity. Your donation today goes a long way towards providing homeowners with stability and independence, and making our dreams come true. I still believe the biggest impact our Habitat home will have on our children will be in the long term. We are so grateful to watch our family grow in our new space. Please donate today in support of Habitat Homeownership.    

Loretta’s home ownership journey began three years ago while living in Metis Urban Housing with her four children. Following a quick referral process from Metis Urban Housing and encouragement from a close friend, Loretta had her first interview with Habitat Edmonton shortly thereafter. Within three months, Loretta and her family moved into their Habitat home! A highlight for Loretta was the joy she saw in Seth, her youngest son. He now had a room of his own with ample space to store his toys and treasures. Knowing that her children have a roof over their heads and are living in a safe neighbourhood – close to their friends and extended family – was the cherry on top! “Being close to a support system that understands me and my family was always important to me,” said Loretta. “Family is everything to me, and I strongly believe that Habitat has given that back to me. I’m so grateful for this experience and the hope that Habitat gives families like mine.” When asked about what she would say to parents who are undecided about Habitat Homeownership, Loretta simply said, “go for it!” Without the support she received from Habitat, Loretta believes that she wouldn’t be where she is now. “I now have a career, my kids are happy and thriving, and we have space that we can rightfully call our own. As a single mom of four kids, my children’s welfare is always top of mind. Our life is amazing simply because my kids are settled and a lot more independent than they were before we moved here. So thank you to Habitat for Humanity for giving us a new lease on life!” Please donate today in support of Habitat Homeownership.