Habitat For Humanity Morden-Winkler (H4HMW) Chapter handed over the keys to two families Saturday morning in Morden, giving thanks to the City of Morden, Habitat for Humanity, community sponsors and all the volunteers for helping make this dream of building its first duplex, a reality.
P.R. And Fundraising Committee Member Christina Falk expressed her excitement.
"It's a huge day. It's our first duplex. We were really excited when we got this piece of land because of the possibility of building a duplex here. We got some extra grant funding this last year that was unexpected and because of that we were able to do this duplex and a house in Morden, all in one year, which was just a huge, crazy miracle."
Zephyr and his wife Dayna were anxious to move into their new home. A home they put 500 Sweat Equity Hours into, a requirement of being selected, finishing them early.
Zephyr reflected on the process from the beginning to now, receiving the keys to their new home.
"I learned a lot. I was very out of my element in the building process, except for maybe the painting, but I helped build the walls, I helped with lot of things in here. It was quite the learning experience."
The families will make interest-free payments on the home for 15 years at the market value of the home. Zephyr loves the neighbourhood and plans to stay for a long time.
"I don't doubt that we'll be here longer than the 15 years because we put my blood, sweat and tears into this place, right? We saw it come from nothing. So, it's something to give our children, something like this to grow up in and we are very happy with that."
Peter and Rosella will be moving in next door and put in their 500 hours early as well.
Rosella, who is expecting their 4th child shared her gratitude for having a new home, knowing their payments will go towards future builds for Habitat.
"I think it's very special to be able to raise a family in a home that is constant and not having to move around. Being able to pour into something and then also knowing that we are helping other people you can ask yourself out in the future."
Peter chimed in with his plans for making the house a home.
"A lot of barbecues, a lot of cooking. I'm big on the cooking part, but just to have fun in the backyards, to actually be able to have a yard to play in, making memories with family and friends. Just a place to call our own."
Adding his feelings on having Habitat neighbours, "They're moving in the same date we are, so they're feeling the same thing we're feeling right now, nervousness and happiness all combined into one."
With this being the first duplex for the Morden-Winkler Chapter, Falk commented on the idea of the two families being neighbours.
"They both have kids. From what we have known so far, they've gotten along really well. So, I think they're gonna have a lot of fun together. It's kind of nice when you can have that camaraderie starting right off. You have a support system built in and that's a really neat thing."
Falk thanked all the volunteers and community sponsors for making this project possible. The families were given their appliances and sizable gift cards to spend by a local business.
The family for the next build has already been selected and most of the funds to build the home are in. Falk said they are just having trouble finding a lot in Winkler, plus they will need to raise the funds to purchase the lot. She is pleased they have been able to build 5 homes in 5 years and hopes to start building the next one in 2024.
Tickets for their summer playhouse will be available all summer and donations can be made online.