It's time to support Black families in becoming homeowners

After arriving in Canada in 2011, a few years after her husband, Hassina had to adjust to several differences: living in a new country, understanding a new culture and fitting into a new community.

As new Canadians, parents with a growing family and as renters in Calgary, with its high rental prices and rising cost of living, there was a growing sense of instability. Hassina and her husband Hassen worked hard to provide for their children, but it was never easy to find an apartment that met all their needs. They spent years living in cramped apartments and unsafe neighbourhoods. And though Hassina and Hassen hoped to buy a home in a safe area for their boys, a mortgage was out of reach.

The dream of homeownership felt completely hopeless. But then, Hassina learned about Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta through friends. She and Hassen applied, and they were eventually approved for a house through Habitat’s affordable homeownership program. It set their family on a whole new path.

“We were so excited when we found out we had been approved,” says Hassina. “The kids, my husband, everybody was so happy!”

Transformative moments like these are only possible because of our supporters, partners and volunteers who are committed to building the beyond and providing opportunities for families like Hassina's to prosper through affordable homeownership.