Two new families are the proud owners of a safe, stable and affordable place to call home, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Habitat for Humanity Niagara, their community partners, and volunteers. These latest homes mark the fourth and fifth homes completed by Habitat Niagara in Thorold within the last year, with three single-family homes built in 2023.

Luciano, Tatiana and their children were living in cramped conditions and couldn’t afford to find a place that was large enough for their growing family. “This is an opportunity for our children to have a better space to grow up in,” said Luciano.

Steve and Margarita found out about the homeownership program through Margarita’s volunteer work at Habitat. “Having a safe and affordable home will provide a lot of groundwork and stability for our future,” said Steve. “It will also provide a future home to leave for our daughter.”

Being a Habitat homeowner doesn’t mean that you receive a free home. Habitat’s affordable homeownership program offers working families the opportunity to purchase a safe and affordable home by partnering with Habitat for Humanity.

“Our new homeowner families have worked very hard to get to this point,” said Mark Carl, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Niagara.

“Since 2019, the Government of Canada has made a total funding commitment of $670,000 through the Affordable Housing Fund under the National Housing Strategy towards Habitat Niagara projects, including these homes.

“The National Housing Strategy in collaboration with partners like Habitat for Humanity is creating safe and affordable housing options for Canadians,” said Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, Ontario. “I am thrilled to see the outcome of our work here in Thorold, where two families are celebrating moving into their new homes. I wish them all the happiness and success as they start this new adventure in their lives.”

They have contributed to the construction of their homes, finished 500 hours of volunteering, and participated in workshops to equip themselves for the moment when we hand over the keys

In March 2023, the Government of Canada and Habitat for Humanity Canada announced an additional $25 million investment to build 500 new affordable homes across Canada over the next three years. This brings the total federal investment in Habitat for Humanity to $80.8 million through the Government of Canada’s Affordable Housing Fund.

“Our future is bright, we wake up with a spring in our step knowing that we have support from our community,” said Steve. “If I can say one thing it’s thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Habitat Niagara would like to thank the many generous supporters who have helped turn these homes into a reality for two families, including: Government of Canada, Cairnwood Homes, Cotton Inc., Kraun Electric, Oakridge Cabinets, Wise Guys Charity Fund, Kenmore Homes, Dave Wiens Construction, Benchwood Builders, Upper Canada Consultants, Russell Technical Services, Meridian Credit Union, Abatement Technologies, RONA Doidge Building Centres, Pollard Windows & Doors, Coca-Cola Bottling Limited, Walker Industries, Vaultra Storage, DKI Miller Restoration Niagara, AJT Roofing and Contracting, South Coast Garage Doors, H2Only, and Cravings by Jayne.