Homeownership stories

After 16 years of renting the same apartment in downtown Calgary, Elsa is preparing to become a Habitat for Humanity homeowner. As she prepares to become an affordable homeowner, she’s looking forward to giving her children something every parent hopes for: a safe place to grow, belong, and build confidence.

Volunteering is an important part of buying a home through Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta. While 500 volunteer hours might sound like a lot at first, most Habitat homeowners find the experience rewarding.

Twenty-two years after moving into her Habitat home in Calgary, Katherine sat down to reflect on how her affordable home provided stability during profound loss, raising her children, and pursuing higher education.  

Rosa and Taajelidin’s journey to homeownership is rooted in resilience, sacrifice, and family. After immigrating to Canada, they’ve worked tirelessly to build a stable future for their three children—one that includes the dream of owning a safe, affordable home.

After applying to Habitat for Humanity three times, Behzad and Misbah are finally preparing to move into their family’s future home. As they leave behind their cramped basement rental, they’re looking ahead to stability, community, and a brighter future for their children.

For Merhawi and Makda, building a life in Canada has meant raising their children through years of change and uncertainty. Now, they’re working toward something lasting: a home where their family can finally settle.