For years, they searched for a way to make their dream possible. To give their kids a home that could grow up in, surrounded by familiar streets, neighbours, and friends. They never imagined that a simple Facebook ad would lead them to Habitat and make it possible to stay in the very community they love.
Re-discovering Habitat
Arthur knew about Habitat for Humanity through family, but it wasn’t until a Facebook ad popped up that they seriously considered applying.
“We had an ad come up on Facebook advertising a house a few blocks from here, and it’s a Habitat house,” Charlee said. “I looked at Arthur and said, look at this: people are trying to scam us again. Maybe we should apply just to see. And it was real. We weren’t expecting that because so much on social media feels like spam or scams.”
That skepticism came from experience. They had nearly been scammed while looking for a rental. “When we got there, a realtor was on the lawn. It wasn’t for rent at all, it was for sale. Someone was scamming people out of deposits,” Charlee explained.
Relief and gratitude
By the time they found Habitat, things were starting to feel desperate. As a blended family with four kids, two full-time and two who come on weekends and holidays, home means stability.
“If this doesn’t pan out, we’re going to be living in our cars,” Charlee said. “It was either that or move to Edmonton. So once we got accepted, I cried hard and screamed over the phone. I said, give me the boxes—I’m packing. I’ve been packing ever since…it’s done.”
Until move-in day arrives, the family has been living with Arthur’s mom in a crowded home. With multiple generations under one roof, space is tight, and tensions run high. For their kids, especially G who is on the autism spectrum, the lack of space and routine makes daily life overwhelming.
Noise, limited privacy, and the constant juggling of schedules have made it hard for everyone to feel settled. Let alone making it feel like a home.
Giving back
With no active build site in Medicine Hat, Arthur and Charlee completed their volunteer hours in the community. They supported the local ReStore, helped at Habitat’s casino fundraiser and local events, and volunteered at the food bank.
“Working with the people at the ReStore was awesome, and I still plan on keeping in contact with a bunch of them,” Arthur said.
“Same for me with the food bank,” Charlee added. “I still bump into the coordinator, and after we move in, I want to keep giving back and volunteer.”
Looking ahead to the future
For Arthur, owning a home changes everything:
“It’s easier to think long term now. I’ve been in Medicine Hat most of my life, and I don’t want to leave. This home means we can stay, grow, and build a future right here.”
Charlee’s dream is even bigger: “I want to create multi-generational wealth for our kids, and our future grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”
Living around the corner from their future home means their son G, the second youngest, is already eager to move in. “He says, go inside mommy, our house. And I have to tell him, not yet, we need the keys first.”
For their 12-year-old daughter, it means finally having her own room. A space to grow into her teenage years with privacy and independence.
Charlee is most excited about simple things. “I can open the back door and say, go play, knowing they’re safe in a fenced yard. We’re going to get a swing set, maybe a pool, and let the kids be their feral, goofy selves. It’s going to be awesome.”
