What goes into a home? We could all name a few things – a lot of two-by-fours, a few windows, paint, and all those little finishing touches, of course.
What's special about a Habitat home? It’s all the little extras that go in along the way.
Like the handwritten notes on the framing, wishing future homeowners a life of happiness and hope and the nails driven by hundreds of different hands (or nail guns, but you get the idea).
We’ve got tons of Habitat happenings going on across southern Alberta – new builds in Calgary and Okotoks, and future homes in Medicine Hat and Pincher Creek.
All of these houses will soon turn into homes for local families, and it’s only possible through your support.
In the words of Robel and Elsa, who were recently approved to buy their Habitat home:
“We thank Habitat and all the volunteers for doing a priceless job and bringing hope and a bright future to us, so that we focus on our children to achieve their dreams and become role models for the generation to come.”
- Robel and Elsa, future homeowners in calgary
Robel and Elsa, future habitat homeowners,
with their kids Abraham (6), Moses (4) and DAWIT (7)
So, let’s get into it.
Revitalizing Radisson
Earlier this year, we purchased land in Albert Park/Radisson Heights and have plans for a two-phase development. Phase 1 includes two duplexes expected to begin this fall (below), and Phase 2 is proposed as two four-plexes in 2019.
Five families have already been approved to buy these homes through our affordable mortgage once they’re complete and have begun working on their volunteer hours.
Vickie and Troy are one of these families. They are guardians to Vickie’s younger sister Rebecca, proud dog-parents to Trypp, and will be new parents to a baby girl this year!
“Owning a home has always been a dream of ours. Now we get to look forward to our children growing up and making memories in our home and spending holidays together.”
- Vickie and Troy, future homeowners in Radisson Heights
vickie and troy, future homeowners in radisson heights
Building in Bowness
Last November, we began two five-plexes in the northwest Calgary community of Bowness.
These homes are well-underway thanks to hundreds of donors, volunteers and some unique events along the way, including Women Build, presented by Excel Homes, and the CREB® Golden Hammer Challenge.
Our friends from Excel recently drove by the site to check out the progress since they were last there in May.
On August 13, 20 local Realtors helped to prime and drywall one of these five-plexes. This was the first of 27 Build Days with the CREB® Charitable Foundation over the next three years, as part of a three-year, $1M partnership.
At lunch, they competed in the “Golden Hammer Challenge” - a friendly construction-themed relay race. As they hurried to drive the nails and set the screws, these Realtors proved to be a competitive and capable bunch.
The first five-plex will be ready for families to purchase this fall, and the second by next March.
Duplex well underway in Okotoks
What was a piece of empty land just a few months ago has undergone a tremendous transformation.
We broke ground on a duplex on June 15 and were joined by our friends from The Town of Okotoks, Anthem United and Morrison Homes, who have all been generous supporters of the project.
“Habitat for Humanity represents what community building is all about. We are excited to partner with them and thrilled to welcome two families to the neighbourhood when these homes are complete.”
- STEVE LEPAN, ANTHEM UNITED DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Since then, much progress has been made and the homes are expected to be complete later this fall.
Romano and Avon are one of the future homeowners in Okotoks. They describe owning their own home as an “opportunity that comes once-in-a-lifetime."
They feel especially blessed for the impact if will have on their two kids, Lorenzo and Nina. They are both steadily employed at a local car dealership and pizza parlour and are looking forward to putting down permanent roots in Okotoks.
“Having our own home means the world to us. It’s a little piece of heaven on earth where we feel safe, secure and happy. A place where we create memories. A place where our greatest family stories begin.”
- avon and romano, future homeowners in okotoks
What’s next?
We have some exciting opportunities coming up later this year in Silver Springs, and next year in Pincher Creek, and Medicine Hat.
But if you’re saying to yourself, “I want to do something now!” don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
You can do a Build Day with your colleagues, volunteer for one of the new specialized roles at one of our ReStores, or become a monthly donor.
Whatever you choose, you can feel good knowing you’re making a difference for families in your community.
Until next time!