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We’re thrilled to share some exciting news: SaskTel recently showcased Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan on their MaxTV channel! This incredible feature provides a unique window into the heart of our organization, showcasing our mission and the work we do within our community.

Meet the Faces of Habitat: Gail, Brett, and Dessie

In this special feature, you’ll have the opportunity to hear from some of the key individuals who drive our mission forward:

Gail: Board Chair

Gail, our dedicated Board Chair, offers valuable insights into the core values that drive Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan. Her unwavering commitment to our cause is truly inspiring!

Brett: Regina ReStore Manager

Brett, the passionate manager of our Regina ReStore, plays a vital role in our operations. He shares his experiences, shedding light on the impact our ReStore has in supporting our mission.

Dessie: Homeowner 

Dessie, one of our amazing homeowners, shares his heartwarming journey with us. His story exemplifies the transformative power of a safe and stable home.

Discover More

Watch the full video below:

 

Get Involved

As always, your support is instrumental in our mission to provide safe and stable homes for families in need. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our upcoming projects, please don’t hesitate to reach out. To support our cause, donate here or learn more about our volunteering opportunities here

A Brighter Future, One Home at a Time

We extend our deepest gratitude to SaskTel for providing us with this platform and to all of you, our dedicated supporters, for making our work possible. Together, we are building a brighter future for families across Saskatchewan.

Chelsey and Owen’s story is a testament to the power of having a place to call home. Becoming Habitat homeowners has been nothing short of a dream come true for them, akin to winning a life-changing lottery. “My father still lives in the same home that I grew up in. There are so many memories. Knowing that you can come back to the home you grew up in, for holidays and family dinners – there’s comfort in that. And that’s what I want for my family,” shares Chelsey, her voice resonating with a sense of hope and determination.

Their journey is one of blending families and aspirations. With five children, creating a harmonious home was a challenge, given their initial limited space. However, when their eldest daughter, Bailey, left for college, the opportunity arose for them to finally live together under one roof. Yet, the reality of sharing a confined space with four growing boys, aged 10, 14, 14, and 17, presented its own challenges. Finding a larger, affordable apartment proved elusive in their search.

“It’s been a struggle. We live in a rental and while it’s not the worst of neighborhoods, it’s not the best either. There’s limited housing in our area and we just couldn’t come up with a down payment to buy a home,” Chelsey candidly admits.

Years ago, a glimmer of hope emerged when a college classmate shared information about Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program. Back then, Chelsey, a single parent, applied but faced income constraints that didn’t meet the qualifications. Fate had different plans, and two years later, Habitat for Humanity Cornwall & The Counties reached out to Chelsey and Owen. This time, with their combined efforts, they were accepted into the program.

Their future home’s location holds a deep significance. The land, donated by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, holds ancestral connections for Owen, a member of the Band. Situated across from Pilon Island, where Owen’s grandfather once resided, the land echoes with cherished memories. It was the very spot where Owen’s grandfather used to pick him up before embarking on canoe journeys to spend time together. This land, infused with heritage and history, was the meeting ground for generations. In a touching ceremony attended by Mohawk Grand Chief Abram Benedict, the family broke ground on their new home last October.

Despite the pandemic causing delays, Chelsey and Owen’s family is on the cusp of completing their 500 mandatory volunteer hours. Their commitment to Habitat’s cause led them to volunteering at the Habitat ReStore and participating in various fundraisers. Owen, a skilled carpenter, crafted over 50 birdhouses and feeders during the summer of 2020, which the family then painted and donated to the local Habitat ReStore for sale. As construction finally begins, they eagerly await their chance to contribute on the build site.

For Chelsey, homeownership embodies safety, security, and the promise of a better future for her children. It’s about anchoring her family in a forever home where memories will flourish. The anticipation of extra space, privacy, and the ability to create a vibrant garden fuels their excitement. Their new dwelling will be a sanctuary for family gatherings, a place for extended family to congregate during holidays and dinners. Importantly, it will be a launchpad for their children’s dreams and aspirations.

“Homeownership gives us stability. I want my kids to get a good education. To do well and succeed. That’s my dream,” Chelsey expresses, encapsulating the essence of their journey – a dream of stability, growth, and creating a legacy of hope for generations to come.Our goal at Habitat Saskatchewan is to continue to help families like Chelsey and Owen’s for years to come, and in order to do that, we rely on donors to help support our mission. If you’d like to contribute and make a difference, please visit our donation page.