Dear valued Habitat Greater Ottawa supporter,
I hope you and your loved ones are doing well and staying safe and healthy. We want to share a recent message from one of our Habitat families. Last month, Rebecca and her son Jack celebrated the one-year anniversary of moving into their Habitat home. This is the message Rebecca sent to the Habitat team where she shares how grateful she is to have a safe place to call home during this difficult time. We were so moved by her words we asked if we could share the message with you too.
Hello to everyone at Habitat!!
I hope this email finds you and your families healthy and safe at home!
I am fortunate to be able to work from home now, so Jack and I have been spending quite a lot of time in our new house. It occurred to me the other day, that we are now in the final month of our first year of living here and I wanted to send along a few thoughts:
(1) I still find myself in disbelief when I slow down, look around and think, “this is our home!” It’s a peaceful, reassuring and comforting feeling that I’ve really not had for many years; like a giant sigh of relief, and it’s absolutely wonderful!
(2) How amazing is it that for the past year, my largest living expense has been going toward a mortgage, rather than towards rent?! It truly feels like an investment for our futures, and it’s rather surprising the sense of security that brings.
(3) In all of the current chaos shaking the world, Jack and I get to stay at home and feel safe. We don’t have to get in a shared elevator everyday, or wash our laundry in shared machines. We are in our home, able to completely self-isolate, safe and secure. And because of this, we’re actually able to enjoy this time together, rather than worry. That is a gift not afforded to many in this global pandemic, and that fact is not at all lost on me.
(4) Everytime I do laundry, I am surprised that my once most-despised chore, no longer seems such a chore. Without a doubt, my life has been changed by this seemingly minor detail and I am a far happier, less stressed out woman for it. Who knew laundry wasn’t the absolute worst?!?!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you, to each and every one of you, for providing us with this opportunity! The past year has certainly changed our lives and I feel grateful everyday. Without Habitat for Humanity, and without all of you, we would not be living this life, we would not be safe and secure, and we would not have the future opportunities that a house opens up for us. The house is beautiful and well crafted, warm and comforting, well laid out, perfect in size…..and it is our home. There is no greater gift!!
Thank you ❤
Wishing you all the very best. Be well 🙂
Sincerely,
Rebecca and Jack
It’s because of supporters like you that Rebecca and Jack now have a home of their own to safely shelter in place. This #GivingTuesday, let’s keep the momentum going to ensure more local families have a safe and stable place to call home.
As COVID-19 continues to unfold in Ottawa, more families will be impacted now and for years to come. When you support Habitat Greater Ottawa, you are truly changing the lives of local families all because you cared. Just ask Rebecca!
Thank you for continuing to make a difference.
Yours in partnership,
Shawna
Shawna Blanchard
Director of Development, Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa
613-749-9950 | sblanchard@habitatgo.com | habitatgo.ca
