A dream years in the making: Behzad and Misbah’s Habitat homeownership journey
Behzad and Misbah’s home won’t be completed until next year, but they already know their neighbours and other families who will all be creating a community together. They’re already planning a big party for all families to celebrate moving in together. It will be their second favourite Habitat day after the day they got the call letting them know that they would be becoming homeowners.
Persistence pays off: applying for Habitat for Humanity three times
Thinking back on their journey to becoming future Habitat homeowners, Behzad and Misbah are proud of their persistence. They had previously applied for the Habitat homeownership program twice and had to work hard to ensure their third applications met the qualification criteria for the homeownership program.
The call that changed everything
Both parents beam when recalling the phone call which would change not only their lives, but the lives of their children. They couldn’t wait to call their parents back in Pakistan.
Leaving behind their basement rental for a brighter future
As opposed to many Habitat homeowner families, Behzad and Misbah haven’t started planning for their future just yet – no plans for painting, decorating, or saving. They’re savouring the moment, knowing what’s coming and enjoying every second of it. Although their daily life won’t be changing much – they’ll continue to gather at the table to play Monopoly and Uno and watching cartoons on the family TV – they’ll be out of their cramped and dark basement suite.
Building more than a home: creating community with future neighbours
As their one-year-old son continues to grow, the family finds their basement rental getting smaller and smaller every day.
Big dreams for their children in a place to call home
Although the rental is secure until their home is completed, the family finds peace knowing that their new home is also growing by the day and will be exactly what they need by the time it is completed.
Looking ahead to a lifetime of memories in their new Habitat home
Their daughter is already dreaming of becoming a teacher, a chef, or someone who teaches cooking. She has found her passion and her parents are encouraging her to chase those dreams every day. Even at 11 years old, she is excited about moving schools and making new friends and memories. As is the entire family, looking forward to a lifetime of memories in their soon-to-be brand-new home.
