Gaby and Harvey Kremnitz

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Gaby and harvey kremnitz - mississauga, ON

Originally from Toronto, Gaby married and moved to Alberta. Tragically, her husband was killed in an auto accident when her only child, Harvey, was 10 months old. Upon his death, she returned to Toronto, where she stayed with her mother. Gaby moved around over the months, eventually sharing a house with a girlfriend, where she lived in half of an unfinished basement with her young son. Finally, she was able to move to subsidized housing when Harvey was three years old.

She worked full time, pinche

d her pennies and dreamed of the security of owning her own home, as elusive as that goal appeared. She took part-time courses in accounting and word processing and considered leaving Toronto to find a home she could afford.

Gaby learned about Habitat for Humanity from a friend. Gaby approached Habitat for a house for herself and her teenage son. She was accepted for a home to be built in spring 1994. Though it did not materialize then, by 1997 when land became available for her home, Gaby was ready. Her determination had resulted in her completion of 700 hours of sweat equity - well beyond the requisite 500 hours.

It was a proud day in October 1997 for the Kremnitz family when they took possession of the home they'd watched grow out of nothing before their very eyes. Today, they are a family of three, with 17-year-old Harvey, 20-pound cat, Oliver, and Gaby. Gaby says that hardly a day goes by without her remembering the wonderful experience of building "Gaby's House."

This Habitat home has provided her with a feeling of real security and a belief that she has made it. She sees a certain pride and respect reflected in her son, particularly when he has friends over and he cautions them to take care in his home.

Gaby remains very active as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer. She has no intention of quitting just because she acquired her house. She manages to be present at every build her work schedule permits and she assists in home shows as a Habitat volunteer, giving information to the public and showing them the face of a true Habitat success story. When asked what the best thing is about her home, she states simply: "It's mine. I am very content and very proud."