Darlene Howitt

“Having a roof over our heads was my number one priority,” remembers Darlene. “But at the time, owning a home was an untouchable dream.”

This past December 2006, thanks to volunteers and contributors like you, we were able to make Darlene’s dream a reality. When we gave her the news, she was bursting with excitement.

“People were telling me to slow down because I was talking so fast.” says Darlene. “I was ecstatic. For my children, having a home is so much more than four walls and a roof. It’s our protection. Our shelter. Our habitat. It’s our own little piece of the world.”

With your help, we gave Darlene and her family much more than a place to live. We gave her financial freedom and peace of mind. With Darlene’s oldest son about to enter high school, moving in this October means she can begin saving for university. Darlene also plans to go back to school.

“I want to work with children, in social work, maybe. Habitat has inspired me to continue helping people. I now have a plan, and will finally be able to put it into action.”

Darlene has been volunteering since January, helping out at the ReStore office and participating in our annual dragon boat races. Even more inspiring, she vows to continue her work for the Habitat for Humanity cause after moving in.

“Because I’m just one of so many in need of an affordable home, I want to give back what I’ve been given. I’ve told them to put me where they need me and to put me to work.”

Darlene Howitt is not the only one with a dream - just under 5 million Canadians have incomes below the low-income cut-off, and are in dire need of a hand up from people like you. Thanks very much for your support of wonderful families like the Howitts!