One of Mary Joy’s favourite things about her home is watching her children enjoy it. Zane (9) and Zia (6) can run around, have friends over, and play without being told to keep the noise down. They have the freedom to be kids and their backyard has become a favourite place for the whole family to spend time together.
When Mary Joy talks about what has changed for her, she comes back to peace of mind.
Mary Joy and Rommel wanted a place of their own where they could raise their children, have privacy, and make decisions for their family on their own terms. In May of 2026, they purchased their affordable home through Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta.
Life in a basement suite
Mary Joy and Rommel rented a basement suite for almost half of their children’s lives. Zane and Zia couldn’t use the backyard, and they had no room to play inside either. Even something as simple as letting them run around meant planning a trip to the park or finding somewhere else to go. It took time and planning around their parents’ work schedules, and Alberta weather made it even harder.
Inside the basement suite, space was tight and privacy was limited. The family of four had little room to move, and they shared the laundry area with their landlord. The kitchen had an improvised sink, and they had no control over the heat. When the basement was cold, they relied on a space heater they had purchased themselves.
Mary Joy and Rommel both work shift work, they take opposite shifts so they can care for the kids. He works days, while she works nights. A quiet home where they could get enough sleep was something they both needed.
The freedom to be kids, the peace of mind to be parents
Since moving, Mary Joy says the family has been able to rest and enjoy more time together. Zane and Zia have space to be active, they have their own backyard, there is a park nearby, and their school is just a few minutes away.
But when you ask what Zane and Zia do in their home that they didn’t do before, Mary Joy’s answer is something unexpected: helping her clean.
“We own this house, Mommy, so we have to take care of it. We have to be clean. We have to be neat every time.”
Mary Joy has noticed a new sense of responsibility in her children since moving.
Zane and Zia understand that this is their home too, and they want to do their part to look after it. Along with the freedom to run and play, they have something they are proud to take care of.
A home to build their future from
Mary Joy and Rommel purchased their Habitat home in High River with no down payment and an interest-free affordable mortgage. Something that Mary Joy says, “made a real difference for them to be able to buy a home.” So did the chance to learn more about managing their money before moving in.
As part of their 500 volunteer hours, Mary Joy and Rommel completed financial literacy classes through Money Mentors, covering topics on budgeting, credit, and managing debt. They chose to take every optional class alongside the required ones, learning skills they are now putting into practice as homeowners.
“We’re applying all the knowledge that we had learned about the budgeting,” Mary Joy says.
They are thinking more carefully about what they spend and making plans for their money. She hopes their life in five years will “be happy and financially stable”. She’s confident that continuing to practice what they’ve learned will help them work toward that goal.
Mary Joy has plans for her own future, too. She recently completed a business administration diploma and hopes to leave shift work for a job where she can use what she’s learned.
They still have goals ahead, but now Mary Joy and Rommel have a home of their own to pursue them from. A home where they can raise their children, enjoy privacy, and make decisions for their family on their own terms.
For Mary Joy and Rommel, that means peace of mind. For Zane and Zia, it means space to play, responsibilities to grow into, and a home where they can thrive.
“Our home has opened the door to opportunity and security.”
Mary Joy and Rommel on the day they signed into partnership to become homeowners.
Mary Joy and Rommel volunteered alongside community members to build their home.
Mary Joy with Marilyn, Chair of the High River Chapter.
Mary Joy, Rommel, Zane and Zia took possession of their home in May 2026.
