Habitat for Humanity Red Deer presents 51st home to local family

To be eligible to receive the home, Popow had to complete at least 500 volunteer hours, and she completed most of them with Habitat for Humanity and at The Mustard Seed. Her kids also volunteered to make cards and completed some school activities that counted towards it.

(Image Credit: rdnewsNOW/Ian Gustafson)

Currently, she works in downtown Red Deer, where she supports individuals with addiction and mental health problems.

Popow typically would commute to work every day from out of town, but with her new home, she’s able to be closer to her office.

She admitted that taking ownership of her new home is something she never thought would be possible, especially as a single parent.

“Between working, rent, and everyday bills, I didn’t think owning a home would be a possibility, but Habitat for Humanity has made it not just a possibility but a reality,” she said.

(Image Credit: rdnewsNOW/Ian Gustafson)

Habitat for Humanity Red Deer CEO Bradley Blois said it’s been an awesome journey and that the chosen family is very deserving.

“The Popow family came to every single event that we had this year and supported us through volunteering. That’s the kind of community engagement we need from our partners,” he said.

Every year, they find deserving, hardworking families who make at least $45,000 to $75,000 per year, have children, and already live in central Alberta.

“We provide that opportunity by not charging them a down payment, by not charging them interest on a mortgage, but they still pay a mortgage,” he said. “They’re still contributors, taxpayers, and hard workers in our community. It’s a hand up, not a hand out for people.”

Approximately eight months ago, they broke ground on the site, which was sold to the organization by the City of Red Deer at a cheaper rate. Blois said they typically give themselves a year to complete the homes, so this project was a very quick turnaround.

“The main way we are affording to build houses is through our social enterprise, the Restore in Gasoline Alley,” he said, adding that after they pay their bills, all the money made at the Restore goes into building homes.

He added that they’re always accepting applications from families, but will only go through applications a couple of times per year when they have a home available.

“I’m so excited to have this project wrapped up so we can start planning our next ones and see where we go.”

by Ian Gustafson

Habitat for Humanity Red Deer presents 51st home to local family

What's Trending