Published on: April 6, 2020
Despite the challenging situation COVID-19 has created, Danielle became Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie & Area’s (HFHSSMA) newest homeowner when she moved into her new Habitat home with her three children, Nashoba, Niyana, and Nova-Anne this past Saturday.
As a single mother, Danielle is happy to finally have stability, a sense of belonging, and safe and affordable place to call home. The family has done a great deal of work in anticipation of moving into their new home – volunteering 500 hours and participating in Habitat’s Homeowner Education Program.
“Since we became the successful candidates for home ownership, we have been welcomed so graciously into the Habitat Family. The amount of support extended by all staff, volunteers, the family service committee, and sponsors has been so kind. They have made this process [of home ownership]—that could be perceived as overwhelming—quite seamless. Habitat has removed many barriers in accessing home ownership for myself as an Indigenous woman who has faced systemic barriers my whole life.” says Danielle.
This is the eleventh family that HFHSSMA has worked with, yet they are the first local family that has worked in partnership with both HFHSSMA and Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS).
“Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services is pleased to be a part of Danielle and her family’s journey in finding safe and affordable housing, especially at a time where housing is crucial to our health and safety. A home isn’t just a physical structure; it’s security, it’s health, and it’s a place of well-being. Assisting community members like Danielle in finding a home is important to us and we look forward to continued partnerships with Habitat Sault Ste. Marie and Area and creating future homes together.” states Justin Marchand, Executive Director at OAHS.
