Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent announced that Ryan and Becca Davis, along with their three children Isaac, 8, April, 7, and Olive, 2, will be the recipients of a brand new house built from the ground up.
“I’m pretty sure I screamed really loudly,” Becca said, describing her reaction to the news.
The house will have three bedrooms, and once finished will include a special room built for Ryan’s medical needs.
Ryan has been on dialysis for almost four years and undergoes over three hours of treatments every other day.
Currently the only space in their house to do this is in the basement, which has had major flooding issues in the past.
“I’m just excited that it’s going to be mine. I’ve never had my own home before… it’s something I’ve always wanted,” Becca said.
At this point the exact location of the build has not been determined, but the Davis’ say they will be happy living anywhere in the Wallaceburg area.
“We’re working on a piece of property that hasn’t finalized. So as soon as it finalizes then we can let everybody know. We’re hoping to have that announcement within the week,” said Nancy McDowell, executive director with Habitat for Humanity Chatham-Kent.
Habitat For Humanity has been in the Chatham-Kent area since 2009, and did their first build in Chatham in 2013.
The houses are not simply given away for free.
The recipients purchase the home, but they’re given an interest free geared to income mortgage, McDowell said.
“When you’re giving to Habitat you’re not just giving to one family, and one home. That money comes back to us in those mortgage funds, and that goes to build another house.”
To qualify applicants must fall under three categories:
– Your income is between 22-43 thousand a year
– You are willing to partner with Habitat for Humanity, and complete 500 sweat equity hours, 200 of which can be done through the assistance of friends, and family.
– You must have a need for a home.
“We are accepting applications for future homes. We would love to build homes all over Chatham-Kent,” added Melaney Austin, a member of the selection committee.
– Story by Andrew Roebuck
– Photo by Anne Taylor
