At Habitat Greater Ottawa, we’re lucky to do what we do: helping local families to gain strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. Read on to learn about just a few of our families’ stories and their journey to becoming Habitat homeowners.
Rebecca and her son Jack moved around a lot hoping to one day find a stable place to call home. Before Habitat, 60% of Rebecca’s income was going towards rent leaving little for emergency savings or to save up for Jack’s future. Now, Rebecca pays an affordable monthly mortgage geared to income. She is happy knowing Jack is in a safe community where he can go outside to play and meet up with friends.
Meet Isabelle
After leaving Prince Edward Island, Isabelle and her son Caleb moved to Ottawa to start a new life. Unable to find an affordable home or rental, the single mom had to move in with her parents. Now, the future Habitat homeowner is looking forward to financial stability and saving up for her son’s future.
Living in a cramped rental in need of repairs, Shane and Laura were overwhelmed. With expensive hydro bills and rent, they didn’t see how they could ever afford a down payment for a home. On top of that, their children were getting sick due to the mold and mildew in the home. Since moving in 2017, Shane and Laura are amazed at the difference and positive impact a Habitat home has had on their family.
Meet Nilian and Tha
Nilian and his wife Tha were living as refugees in India and wanted a fresh start in a new country. Sixteen years later, Nilian, Tha and their two sons Benjamin and Samuel proudly call themselves Canadian citizens. Now, they can also call themselves official homeowners.
Annie was part of our Urban Indigenous Housing build for Phase I of Leacross Landing. Although she had a steady job, she was unable to save up for a down payment nor find affordable housing for her and her son Hunter. Since moving to Leacross Landing, Annie says she has achieved her dream of providing Hunter with a home in a safe and loving community.