Habitat for Humanity Moose Jaw is proud to announce the latest local family selected to participate in its affordable home-ownership program. The Metcalfe family — Rob, Angie, Josh, Isaac and Emma — received the life-changing news on the evening of Monday, January 9, 2012.
“I’m speechless,” Rob said. “It’s something we’ve wanted our whole lives and now it’s a reality. It’s just a dream come true”.
“I just feel so hopeful,” Angie said. “We have watched God’s hand of provision in our lives through health and financial issues and this is just one more opportunity for us to be grateful and share with people how God has blessed us and provided for us”.
A family chosen for a Habitat home must demonstrate both significant need and strong character. Applicants must be comfortable handing over the most personal details of their finances, background, and current living situation to the Family Selection Committee.
“It’s an in-depth process to ensure we select the perfect partner family,” said Taryn Guse, Committee Chair.
The Metcalfe’s explained that, like many others, the increased cost of living has prevented them from being able to save for a down payment on a conventional mortgage. The family of five, who have had their share of hardships, is also outgrowing their living space.
“The kitchen is the biggest problem. It has extremely limited cupboard space and insufficient counter space. It is also too small to fit a table and chairs adequate for our family… so we have our meals in the living room”. The Metcalfe’s also share a small, single bathroom.
Design plans are still being finalized for their new home, which will be built at 905 Stadacona Street East. Guse said the two-storey home will have at least three bedrooms and one-and-a-half bathrooms.
To earn their home, the family must put in a “down payment” in the form of 500 hours of volunteer work known as “sweat equity”. This can be accomplished by helping to build homes with Habitat and/or by working with other non-profit organizations in the community. They will then pay off the full value of the home with an interest-free mortgage provided by Habitat for Humanity.
“This is going to go so much further than just being a home,” Angie added. “It’s an opportunity to develop new relationships with people in the community and be a part of an organization that has become so special to us.”
Ideally, the volunteer board would like to start construction on the Metcalfe’s new home in the next few weeks, but there is no set timeline. In order to complete the build, the committee must first secure an additional $45,000 to $50,000 in community fundraising.
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