Today was an exciting day for two families as they were handed keys to their new Habitat for Humanity homes during a special home dedication ceremony. The third family moved into their Habitat home in Niagara Falls last week that Habitat Niagara bought back from a former Habitat family who decided to sell.

The two homes in Thorold were completed in late May with the support of community partners, construction volunteers and build participants from various companies as part of a team building experience.

Since 2019, the federal government has made a total funding commitment of $670,745 towards Habitat Niagara projects, including the Thorold project. This funding commitment from the National Housing Co-Investment Fund includes a Black Families Funding investment of $125,000.

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund; including the Black Families Funding carve-out, the Government of Canada is investing in affordable housing here in Thorold, and across the country.” said The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion. “Thanks to today’s announcement and in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Niagara, three deserving families will achieve their dream of owning a home – homes they can proudly call their own. This significant step highlights our commitment to ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve the pride of ownership. I hope that they find great happiness in their new homes.”

“The Government of Canada is dedicated to supporting people with their housing needs, which is why we are working hard with our partners to provide not only safe and affordable housing, but also to strengthen our communities,” said Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre. “Congratulations to Ajmal, Zarlasht, Mavis, Fanor, Claudia and their children on this huge milestone here in Thorold. This is the Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy at work.”

Mavis, a single mom of three, has been looking forward to this day since she was informed last May that she qualified and was accepted into Habitat Niagara’s homeownership program.

“Oh my gosh,” said Mavis. “This means everything to me, it means stability, safety, happiness and joy!”

The second home is for a family of seven, Ajmal, Zarlasht and their five children.

“It’s a great feeling to own something,” said Ajmal. “We are excited because our children will feel safe.”

The third home that Fanor, Claudia and their two children moved into last week said it has been a goal of theirs to own a home for quite a while.

“It’s not just the walls and a roof, it is stability and growing as a family,” said Claudia.

Habitat’s homeownership program provides working families with an opportunity to purchase a decent home by partnering with their local Habitat and paying an affordable mortgage.

Anyone can apply to become a Habitat homeowner, but must be in need of housing, able to make affordable mortgage payments and be willing to actively partner with their local Habitat, including a commitment to completing 500 volunteer hours.

“We are delighted to have three local families move into safe, decent and affordable homes,” said Mark Carl, Habitat Niagara’s CEO. “The support of the community continues to be strong and we couldn’t have done it without everyone’s efforts. Housing is a basic human right, and these families’ lives will be transformed because they have a stable place to call home.”