Getting keys to Brandon Habitat for Humanity home an emotional moment for single mom

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This article was published 20/07/2017 (3093 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

After 11 years as a rentaltenant with Manitoba Housing, Bev Perry is proud to say she now is officially a homeowner.

It was an emotional moment for the single mother on Wednesday morning, when she received the keys for her new Habitat for Humanity home on Percy Street.

“I’m just thankful for the opportunity,” Perry said to the crowd of community members, sponsors and local dignitaries who gathered at the home for the key ceremony.

“It means a lot … It’s finally my first time owning my own home — and without Habitat, it wouldn’t be possible.”

Perry’s sons — Jayden, 15, and Bryson, 16 — were by her side for the special event.

“I’d like to thank all the people that made this happen,” Jayden said, adding he is looking forward to moving in and making the home their own.

Neil Murdoch, chair of the selection committee for Habitat’s Brandon chapter, said Perry is an excellent example of a Habitat homeowner.

“Right now she’s working, upgrading her education, as well as making sure her and her kids got all the sweat equity hours,” Murdoch said. “She exceeded Habitat’s requirement by something like 75 hours … so it was a good effort on her part.”

As part of the organization’s requirements, the selected family must complete 500 hours of “sweat equity,” in the form of volunteer work, prior to house possession. Perry and her children regularly volunteered at the ReStore, in addition to working at the home.

Margaret Schonewille, general manager of Habitat’s Brandon chapter, was thrilled by the number of people who attended the ceremony.

“When you see the build from start to finish, it’s just so many lives involved in it,” she said. “That shows the spirit of the community.”

This home is the third project of the relaunched Habitat for Humanity Brandon chapter. It was a partnership with Assiniboine Community College’s carpentry, electrical and plumbing students.

“Our vision is providing exceptional learning experiences, and there’s no better example than the Habitat for Humanity project,” said Steve Horne, ACC’s director of external relations. “It provides real world experience … and the students take great pride in the work that they’re doing.”

Habitat homes are for low-income families who are unable to secure a down payment or a traditional loan. Habitat offers a mortgage at zero per cent interest and there is no down payment. Mortgage payments are based on income.

Steve Krahn, Habitat for Humanity Manitoba vice president of regional development, spoke about the many positive spinoffs of their projects.

“The entire community actually really gains from it,” he said. “Habitat gives opportunities for volunteers to come out and swing a hammer on these homes, and with that, they gain skills.”

People from all walks of life work “shoulder to shoulder” which helps strengthen a community.

“It’s a great day,” Krahn said. “These are always, for me, the pinnacle. This is the moment of excitement, what we all work so hard for … the day where we get to hand over the keys to the homeowner.”

The Brandon chapter relaunched in 2013, under the umbrella of Habitat Manitoba. There was previously a Brandon affiliate for many years, but it was closed in 2012. The chapter is moving toward more traditional Habitat builds, which will be on-site with community volunteers rather than the ready-to-move homes.

Two new homes will begin construction this summer in Brandon — one on Franklin Street, the other on Frederick Street.

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