THUNDER BAY — Keys for a brand new home are in the hands of another deserving Habitat for Humanity recipient.
While balancing work and single motherhood for her three sons, Kayla and her boys put in their 500 sweat equity hours on the new Heron Street build. She never thought she'd have something like this for her family.
"I knew that I always wanted something more for myself and my children. I've always been a really hard worker, but saving up money during these difficult times hasn't really been the easiest." Kayla said the day feels surreal, "To be able to be rewarded through hard work and the hours that our family put in, it just means the world to me. I'm so happy that I can be leaving something behind for my three sons."
Kayla said that living in a brand new dwelling like this one is a first for their family, and seeing the excitement on her kids' faces and reactions is priceless to her.
Lana Vukelic, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay, said this is always an exciting moment in handing over the keys to the new homeowners.
"It's the moment where the family, everything comes together, what they've worked for, what they wished for," Vukelic said. "It's a dream come true for homeownership."
Vukelic is happy that Kayla will still continue to volunteer with the organization.
"Our model was founded on that, that every family member helps another family member because they've helped to build their home, and that legacy continues with Habitat," she said.
While the mortgage on the new home will be interest-free through a partnership with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the new build must also be financially sustainable when it comes to the cost of utilities.
"We've taken steps to create an energy-efficient home," Vukelic said. "We've actually had air tightness tests done for the home; we meet the CMHC national standards and, in some cases, exceed."
Applications are being accepted for those looking for future Habitat Homes for 2024 through their website.
