Habitat’s path to homeownership requires hard work, time and dedication. We're proud to partner with some incredible families as they become homeowners.
Candace & Christian have two young children. Everyone was born in Yellowknife and raised between Yellowknife, Ulukhaktok, Kugluktuk and Cambridge Bay.
"A home to call our own would mean even more. It would be our home to decorate to our taste, our home to make memories in and a home that could be passed down to our children."
What brought me to put in an application was that my niece had informed me that Habitat for Humanity application was open for people who were interested. I decided to try. In recent years, I have tried different places to assist me in purchasing a residential home for my growing family. I either made too much money or not enough money to qualify for any NWT programs to purchase a home or first-time home buyer package. I have been approved through a couple of banks for a mortgage for a certain amount but it was still a challenge within that budget to find a safe, affordable, reasonably maintained home that can accommodate my family’s necessities. I have always fallen through the cracks as a single parent of 5 children and 1 grandson.
Between the time my daughter was born and when she turned 6, we had already lived at 5 different addresses in Yellowknife. The high cost of rent made it difficult for me to save money, and living with month-to-month leases caused housing insecurity. On a couple of occasions, significant life changes made it necessary for us to move. With most of my income going towards monthly expenses, it was challenging to save for a down payment on a house. We felt unable to plan and take steps towards our future.
Brandee and her two children live in Hay River. In her own words: "Getting chosen for the Habitat program was the best thing to happen to my children and I. Having a safe and permanent home is what we’ve been working towards for a long time and being a single parent, it’s not easy. My kids are so grateful to have their own rooms and my daughter was so happy to have her friends for sleepovers. We are excited to start this new chapter in our lives. Thank you Habitat for all the guidance and support you have given us."
Jennifer dreamed of living and raising her family in Dettah, the community she grew up in. Life happened, and the cost of housing in Yellowknife became so high that even with a good job, Jennifer worried about paying her bills. She now lives in Dettah, Chief Drygeese Territory, where her kids know their family and she is able to build her family's future. Check out Jennifer's story on page 12 of Habitat for Humanity Canada Year in Review, and also read more about her story and journey to become a homeowner!
Owning a Habitat Home means a lot to my son and I. Our psychological and physical health has increased significantly. We are safer in our own space, have greater privacy, security and have regained control over our surroundings. It has been a lifelong goal of mine to own a home, and I know it will continue to have a positive impact on my family's future. Having a home is an overall blessing.
I am a single mother of 6 and a grandmother of 2. It’s not easy being a single mother, especially with two children having a lifelong disability. One day a friend had texted me a picture and said that I should apply for Habitat for Humanity NT. After submitting the required documents, I doubted my chances of becoming the successful partner family and lost hope, convincing myself that it was ok not to be chosen and I could reapply next time. Then out of the blue I got a call stating that I made it past the first phase!
Coming soon!
Ashli was one of the first homeowners in Yellowknife. More info coming soon!