Family story: Alan and Eileen

We are a family of four – my husband Alan, my two boys Alexander and Alfons, and myself, Eileen.  

My husband I were renting for 10 years and living paycheque to paycheque, but doing our best to be responsible tenants and manage our finances. I was a recreational aide at a seniors’ care centre and my husband was taking courses to help his career.

As a mother and sole breadwinner for my family, I understood the importance of having a stable home for my kids. 

Before I found out about Habitat for Humanity, I was thinking hard: “How can we afford a house on our own? What should I do?” It seemed unreachable for us. 

Even though we had been rejected twice before by another organization that offers affordable housing, I decided to apply for Habitat for Humanity. Then on May 23, 2023, we received an incredible phone call. They told us that we had been selected as partners for their homeownership program.  

"The realization that we would finally become homeowners felt surreal!" 

Alan and Eileen celebrating the completion of their 500 volunteer hours at the Cornerstone build site.

We were renting a cramped basement suite with two teenage boys and we could see their need for more space and privacy. We wanted so badly to have control over our housing, but our single income made it hard to get a mortgage and we could never qualify. 

The rent kept rising and we could barely keep up with the expenses of daily life. The dream of owning a home seemed like a star just out of reach.

That’s when Habitat for Humanity entered our lives as a beacon of hope. They offered us a chance to build stability and create a foundation for our family. 

"Habitat for Humanity changed everything for us."

With their low-cost housing program, we could finally afford a home. No more unpredictable rent hikes, no more uncertainty. Our boys would have their own rooms to study, dream and grow.  

We moved into our new Habitat home almost exactly one year ago. It was a fresh start. The walls echoed with laughter, and the kitchen witnessed family recipes coming to life.

But it wasn’t just about the physical structure; it was about the community. Our neighbors became friends, and our surroundings felt safe. Now we can focus on our boys’ education, their aspirations and their dreams. 

Today, we are grateful beyond words. Our family of four is now part of something bigger—a community that cares, that builds futures.