The Moose Jaw chapter of Habitat for Humanity Regina has finished its newest home on Ominica Street and officially given the keys to new homeowner Tanya Legare and her two daughters, Brooklyn and Chelsea.
“I was convinced that I would never be where I am now,” said Legare. “I had dreamed about being a homeowner but it wasn't there in the future, and then Habitat came along and just opened my eyes.”
This is the ninth home that Habitat for Humanity has constructed in Moose Jaw, a two-storey, three-bedroom house that is now in the hands of Legare and her family.
Construction on the home began almost exactly a year ago, with the demolition of the building that previously occupied the lot and the pouring of the foundation for the new house.
Habitat relies on donations, sponsors, and volunteers to complete its projects, and saw great support once again from the community to complete its ninth build this year.
This particular project was also in partnership with the federal and provincial governments for $50,000 in funding towards the construction, through the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement, as well as pairing with The Mosaic Company and SaskWater for their donations.
“We depend so much on our volunteers. Really, at the end of the day, this isn't possible if we don't have volunteers helping us,” said Tara Goulet, family services manager and chapter lead with Habitat for Humanity Regina. “So, for us to be able to serve another family here is amazing.”
Legare is amazed at the dedication of all the volunteers she worked alongside to finish the project, and grateful to the program for their help in making her dream come true.
“(I appreciate) people taking time out of their day, time off work to come and work on this house,” said Legare. “I see all the names that are downstairs on the wall and I am just amazed that there are that many people. I just wish I could thank them all.”
Legare first looked into applying to be a Habitat homeowner a few years ago, but didn’t quite qualify for the income requirements. Now, after working hard for her family, she is the new homeowner of this year’s build and she encourages others to persevere too.
“I just encourage other people not to give up,” said Legare. “I tried for a couple of years before I actually got accepted, so don’t give up. Keep going.”
From here, Legare will now begin the Habitat ownership program, where she will purchase her home over time with an interest-free mortgage adjusted to her income.
Habitat for Humanity will look ahead to securing the funding for their 10th build, to continue providing Moose Jaw residents with accessibility to one of the fundamental needs.
