When families have access to affordable homeownership, lives are transformed. This is especially true for families living with disabilities, like Mark and Sharon’s.

For seven years, Mark and Sharon and their three children lived with extended family in an overcrowded home that wasn’t designed for their needs. Their eight-year-old son, Ceron, has complex medical needs and uses a wheelchair. He relies on specialized equipment to breathe as well as round-the-clock care.

“Our top priority was to enhance our son’s quality of life and ensure his safety and well-being. But it’s been so challenging to live in a house like this,” says Sharon.

Mark, Sharon and Ceron lived in the basement, accessible only by steep, narrow stairs. Every morning, they carried Ceron upstairs just so he could see natural light, and every night, they carried him back down. The single upstairs bathroom was too small for his wheelchair. There was no proper ventilation. For a child with respiratory issues, it was anything but ideal.

They applied for social housing, but the wait-list was years long. Twice, they applied for a mortgage and were turned down.

Then Ceron’s social worker told them about Habitat for Humanity Yukon’s Affordable Homeownership Program. Sharon and Mark applied in 2024, and within months, they received life-changing news: they had been approved.

Today, the family is thriving in their new Habitat home — a fully accessible, single-level house with a ramp, wider doorways, and an accessible bathroom with a roll-in shower.

“It changed our lives in ways we can’t even fully express.… Everything is within reach and accessible for our son’s needs — and that gives me peace of mind I never had before. Here, we’re not just surviving, we’re living. And that means everything,” says Sharon.

Now Sharon can bathe Ceron by herself and take him outside every day. Their young daughter plays in the field across from their home and rides her bike with neighbourhood friends. Their eldest son has his own room and loves jogging in the neighbourhood. Sharon is trying her hand at gardening. And Mark has peace of mind knowing his family finally has the stability they’ve always longed for.

“For the first time, we can focus on caring for our son without worrying and fighting the limitations of our environment. There’s peace here we’ve never known before. But there’s also laughter and music echoing through the hallways. We’re finally where we’re meant to be.”