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.
