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World Habitat Day

Posted by Joy Harrington on Oct 7, 2024 9:44:09 AM

Santhiago, son of Habitat homeowner, stands in front of a Habitat sign while giving a speech to volunteers about the impacts of affordable homeownership on his life.

Affordable homeownership is about more than just shelter—it’s about creating opportunities for young people to dream, grow, and contribute to the world around them.

It’s World Habitat Day, and we’re reflecting on this year’s theme “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future”but what does that mean?

Keep reading to hear from Santhiago—a 24-year-old Habitat “kid” who says pursuing his dream of becoming a pilot wouldn’t have been possible without his family's affordable home.

A Journey from Uncertainty to Stability

Before moving into their Habitat home, Santhiago’s family faced constant uncertainty.

“When I was 14, my family and I moved from Colombia to Canada. Living in Colombia had its own challenges. Financially, we struggled and ended up moving in with my grandparents in a dangerous area of the city, as we didn’t have the means to live anywhere else. These challenges not only impacted our financial situation, but also our sense of security and well-being.”

Even when they moved to Canada, things didn’t get easier right away. For five years, his family lived in his uncle’s basement.

“We are incredibly grateful that he opened his doors to us during that time, but it still wasn’t an ideal place for us as a family." 

But everything changed when Santhiago’s family moved into their Habitat for Humanity affordable home.

“For the first time in years, we had a stable, secure place to call our own.”

 

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Santhiago stands with his sister, Tathiana, and parents, David and Myriam, on the day they received the keys to their Habitat for Humanity home in Calgary. 

Finding Space to Chase Dreams

Having an affordable home gave Santhiago more than just a roof over his head—it gave him space to think about his future.

“This home provided a sense of safety and permanence that we hadn’t experienced in a long time. It also gave me the space I needed to focus on my dream of becoming a pilot—something that would have been very difficult to pursue without the stability that Habitat provided.”

Before, the cramped living conditions made it difficult to focus.

“Sharing a room with my sister and having to balance schoolwork, privacy, and managing with one bathroom for the whole family was a challenge,” he recalls.

But now, with their own rooms, Santhiago and his sister could find the privacy and freedom they’d never had before. With his sights set on becoming a pilot, Santhiago was able to focus on his studies and work toward his goal.

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Santhiago stands in his room, proudly showing the flight simulator he uses as part of his pilot training. 

Building a Future Together

For Santhiago, his Habitat home is more than just a place to live—it symbolizes something bigger.

“What’s truly special is how so many people come together to make this possible. Seeing volunteers, supporters, and the community work together to help families like mine is incredibly heartwarming. 

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Santhiago speaking to a crowd of Habitat for Humanity donors and supporters at a groundbreaking ceremony in Airdrie. 

 

Santhiago’s experience is a testament to how affordable homeownership can empower young people to focus on their goals and engage in their communities. 

"It’s not just about building homes—it’s about building futures and giving people the chance to dream again.”

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Santhiago stands with his family in front of their Habitat for Humanity home in Calgary. 

As we reflect on this year’s World Habitat Day theme, Santhiago’s story reminds us that affordable homeownership goes beyond providing shelter—it offers young people the stability and security they need to dream big, pursue their passions, and become engaged members of their communities.

You can help make more stories like Santhiago’s possible! Together, we can create opportunities for young people to thrive and build a brighter, more sustainable future.

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