Home Sweet Home at Long Last

In 2018, Rowena had spent several months looking for a new home for her and her son, Justin. At the time, they were living in a one-bedroom condo in Vancouver so they could be closer to Rowena’s work, but the situation had become increasingly difficult for them when they discovered that the unit was infested with rodents.

“I was glad in the morning when it was time for us to go to school and work, and I would dread coming home,” says Rowena.

Safety was a serious concern, as they could hear the sounds of mice scratching and crawling around the condo at night while they tried to sleep. Her son was eight years old at the time and was terrified. The two of them would end up sleeping together most nights.

But as much as she wanted to find a new place to rent, they were unable to relocate as prices were far out of range for her on a single-household income.

Unexpected Encounter With Hope

It was April 2018 when Rowena and her coworkers decided to volunteer at a Habitat for Humanity build project in Richmond.

“When I first came here, it was just the foundation. We were putting up pieces of wood to build the frame of these houses,” says Rowena, who had no idea that she was standing on the spot that would one day be her home.

After that first day of volunteering, Rowena found herself inspired by the work that Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver has been doing in the Lower Mainland. She wasn’t sure if she would qualify as a candidate for a home, but she figured she would apply.

It took some time to process everything, but after a year, Rowena and her coworkers were invited back for another build day. She was impressed by how much had been built in the time since she was last there. As she worked with her colleagues on the site, she was greeted by a staff member from Habitat who announced to everyone that Rowena would be one of the lucky five families who had been selected to receive a home at this location.

“It was so fantastic,” says Rowena. “I remember the emotions on that day. Everyone was cheering! I was so surprised. It was so emotional and it really touched me inside, knowing what the next step was going to be for me and my son. It was the best feeling. I’ll never forget it.”

On July 1st, 2019, Rowena and Justin moved into a beautiful two-bedroom suite in one of the houses that she herself helped build!

It Takes a Village

In many ways, this was a dream come true. No longer would Rowena have to worry about rodents, feeling unsafe in her own home, or wondering what the future would be for her son. They each had their own room, there was a backyard, other kids in a community who Justin could play with, a park nearby, his school within walking distance, and a community of other families right next door. Rowena knew this was going to be the best place for Justin to grow into a young man.

“In my experience with this community, the whole ‘it takes a village’ really does mean something,” says Rowena as she reflects on the community around them. “We watch each other’s kids. If we’re away, there’s always someone watching our place. We also learn a lot from each other. I wasn’t much of a gardener before but some of my friends in this community are and I’ve learned a lot from them.”

Another aspect of the community that has been so meaningful for Rowena was the support she received during the COVID-19 pandemic. As everyone was isolated in their homes, she was so grateful to have a safe and comfortable place to be with Justin.

“During the pandemic, I could not imagine what it would have been like in our little one-bedroom apartment, with mice in the walls, not being able to go out. Here, we could go outside, with the backyard.”

Affordable Homes Change Lives

As she reflects on the journey that led her to this place, Rowena says she is overcome with gratitude and joy. The experience was life-changing for them both and has given Rowena hope in a time when she was feeling trapped.

“Without the donors out there… families like myself and my friends in this community would not have a safe affordable place to live,” says Rowena. “I am so thankful.”