Welcome Home Mission Families

Welcome Home Mission Families!

It might have rained on our parade, but that didn’t take away from the celebratory mood as we handed 12 families the keys to their new homes in Mission. June 9th will be forever etched in their memories. It is the day they were given a pathway to an affordable and sustainable future.

Over 120 members of the community, including volunteers, staff, donors, trades people, family friends, and dignitaries braved the driving rain to welcome these families home. The event represented the culmination of thousands of volunteer hours, thousands of dollars in donated product and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash donations and grant monies to make this project truly affordable.

Phil Sherwood and Cameille Laslo, Councillors from the Leq’á:mel Nation opened the event with a traditional prayer and song, followed by a warm welcome from MLA Pam Alexis who helped launch this project into development in February 2020 back when she was the Mayor in Mission. She, along with current Mayor Paul Horn and a strong contingent from Mission City Council, were presented with a golden hammer to signify the completion of the 19 homes at Cedar Valley Connector. In turn, they returned the green hammer to Steph Baker, VP Construction, who then presented it to Councillor Terri Towner from the City of Coquitlam, signifying the transition to the next project for Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver in Coquitlam.

While families were being presented with their keys, their stories of living in overcrowded, overpriced, and unhealthy living environments were shared. Now these families can rest easy knowing that this summer, they will be living in a safe, clean, and bright new home.

Their stories were inspirational and coloured the day with emotion. Ahmad Sadeqi, who spent years in a refugee camp before moving to Canada in 2016 shared, “My life has been full of darkness. My hope is for my children to experience the brightness of life.”

That brightness was evident through the smiles and the tears of joy expressed by families as they entered their homes for the first time. Their journey to this day has been challenging but “definitely worth it,” according to single Mom Amber Love.

To be considered as a Partner Family, each family starts by completing an online Pre-Screening Form to determine if they meet three main criteria: 1) need for housing 2) the ability to pay and 3) the interest and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. If a family meets these criteria, they attend an Information Session, receive an application package, and apply. Selected families are invited to a Family Interview with our Family Partner Committee, a group of dedicated volunteers, committed to selecting families that fully support the mission and values of Habitat for Humanity. “I am just so excited to be a part of this special day,” said Julie Knisley, a long-time committee member.

It was certainly a special day for Tristan MacLeod, who was so excited to see his room that he didn’t want to leave. Neil, Thamar and their 2 boys Brodee and Lynknn were thrilled and visibly moved as they toured their new home. Joined by their extended family, Thamar said, “I can’t believe this is happening to us. I can’t believe we get to live here.” Thamar and all our families are deeply grateful for the opportunity to live in safety and security, allowing them to plan their lives without worry of eviction, and to build equity for their future. All Habitat families pay a monthly housing payment no more than 30% of their total income. When they are ready to move on, they will take a portion of the amount they have contributed and can put it towards a down payment on a home in the open market.

For now, our families are busy getting ready to move into their new homes on July 1. They will also be busy volunteering at our ReStores, working towards completing 500 volunteer hours with Habitat.

We made some wonderful connections during our time building in Mission, and we are humbled by the generous and warm support shown by the local community. It comforts us to know these families will join the seven families already living in this project and together create their own supportive community within the greater community of Mission. Be sure to read the Key Dedication story in the Mission City Record, and additionally, on Global News. Click here to watch our highlight video on YouTube

Congratulations to our families as they take this next step in their journey – our hearts are full for you!!