Homeownership stories

After years of moving between communities and struggling to find safe, affordable housing, Said and Manal are preparing for a new chapter as future Habitat for Humanity homeowners.

Six voices fill the room as Gebremeskel and Asmerat’s children eagerly share what life looks like in a two-bedroom apartment and what they are most excited about in their future Habitat for Humanity home in Chestermere.

Ray’s journey to affordable homeownership began with an unexpected turning point in 2001 and has since been shaped by perseverance, family, and the dream of stability. Now a future Habitat homeowner in Calgary, Ray is looking ahead to a place his children can grow, feel safe, and truly call home. With an affordable Habitat mortgage and a home under construction, Ray and his family are finally watching their long-held dream take shape.

Mohammed and Tiba are future Habitat for Humanity homeowners preparing to move into a townhouse in Livingston with their two children – Mayar (10) and Adem (4). Their journey to homeownership spans countries, years of uncertainty, and one of the hardest decisions a family can make, all in pursuit of stability for their children.  

For Habitat homeowner Stephanie and her son Izayic, moving just a few blocks away will change everything. After years of renting and frequent moves, the family is preparing for their first-ever home—one that brings long-term stability, affordability, and the chance to stay rooted in the community they already call home.

Hussein, Fatuma, and their three children are ecstatic when they think ahead to moving into their own home and, finally, moving out of Calgary housing.