THUNDER BAY – The “best day of the year” has come for Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay, as the organization handed over two sets of house keys to a pair of eager families.
Habitat welcomed the families to its newest build, a spacious duplex on Leith Street, on Feb. 1. It’s the largest project the group has taken on yet, with a total fundraising goal of around $200,000.
Initially slated for completion in 2019, the project faced delays due to funding shortfalls and the COVID-19 pandemic. Two anonymous donors offered a combined $130,000 in the fall of 2020 to see it through.
For the families who now call the place home, the wait was well worth it.
"I can actually say 'I'm a homeowner,'” said Mellisa Keefe. “It means no more rent, and it means that I can actually save for [my children’s] future."
Families who move into homes built by Habitat for Humanity are able to purchase their home with no down payment and a zero-interest mortgage. They’re required to contribute at least 500 volunteer hours to qualify.
For Shanda Woodbeck, the new, five-bedroom home offers a chance to put down roots for her own family.
“I'm at the point in my life where I don't want to rent anymore,” she said. “I want to start investing in a place of my own, a place where I see myself living for a long time. I'm really excited for my family to finally be able to settle into something permanent and build some memories there."
The build would not have been possible without contributions from the Thunder Bay Community Foundation, Superior Electric, Clow Darling, Dan Coulter Contracting, and MF Jones, Habitat noted.
The non-profit’s 2021 build on Heron Street is scheduled to break ground this spring. Those interested in applying for a Habitat home can view the qualifications and complete applications at the organization’s website.
