This year when we move in, we can finally say, “we are going home.”
Dear Habitat Greater Ottawa Supporter,
One morning back in 2022 I settled in, as I always do, to read the local news online. Little did I know it was the moment the trajectory of my life would change forever. It was then I read a news piece about how the government was working on housing options for the people of Ottawa and to check out the city’s website for more information. After scrolling through the City of Ottawa site, I saw Habitat Greater Ottawa’s Affordable Homeownership Program and knew it was exactly what I was looking for.
Two years ago, we moved to Ottawa after my grandmother passed away. Currently, my daughters and I live in a one-bedroom apartment and have a persistent pest problem. We are surrounded by people, and yet, we feel so alone. I knew going into this apartment that we couldn’t live here long, but as a working single mom, we needed something fast and something that we could afford. It’s disheartening, and stressful, knowing I am putting so much of my paycheque into rent without being able to build for my family’s future. I am blessed to have two wonderful daughters, Chloe (8) and Isabelle (5) , but I have to consider that I have two growing girls who won’t be content to share a room with me in the coming years. We don’t even have enough room around our dining room table for us all to sit together.
After reading the news article, I immediately applied through Habitat Greater Ottawa’s website and was so appreciative of how fast and communicative the staff was in the process. I didn’t tell my daughters about the application because I felt it would be like winning the lottery. It wasn’t until the home visit that I let them know, but still, I told them to not get their hopes up. Soon after, we were provided with the life-changing news that we qualified and had the opportunity to build a home in Kemptville.
This year when we move in, we can finally say, “we are going home.” We will be able to put all our family pictures up without worrying if we will need to move again and take them down. We will have neighbours that we know and who have kids as well. We will be welcomed in the community of Kemptville and start a little community of our own. Throughout this process, I have had the privilege of getting to know many Habitat for Humanity staff, volunteers, and some of the other future homeowners.
Habitat Greater Ottawa’s Affordable Homeownership program is simply a one-of-a-kind program, but I believe this type of affordable homeownership program is more of what is needed in the world right now. I hope that Habitat for Humanity will continue to expand and grow in order to help many more families who need it.
There are many families, like mine, waiting for an opportunity to build a better life. This is why I hope you will consider supporting Habitat Greater Ottawa again and help other local families like mine.
My family is so incredibly blessed, and I am excited to start this new journey of homeownership. One of the first things we are going to do once we move in is have a family dinner, on a table big enough for all of us, together. Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that really make it worth it. Thank you with all our hearts to all the donors, sponsors, volunteers, family partners, Habitat staff, and the community for supporting the efforts of Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa. We could never have been homeowners without you. We appreciate you making our dreams come true.
With deepest thanks,
Melissa, (soon-to-be) Habitat Homeowner!
DOUBLE YOUR
IMPACT!
Your support goes even further! All donations will be matched up to $10,000 thanks to our generous foundation partner, the Kelly Family Foundation. Use the donation form above and donate by June 30, 2024 to take advantage of this generous offer.
Please consider making an impact all year round by becoming a monthly donor. As a Hope Builder you’ll help strengthen our programming and provide ongoing support for families in need of safe, secure and affordable housing. Please select the “DONATE MONTHLY” button on the online form on this page. Thank you for your support.
