The Molleson family of Bobcaygeon will be moving into a brand new home later this year, thanks to Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region.
Buffy Molleson, along with her nine-year-old son Ashton and eight-year-old daughter Ocean, has been selected to own one of two homes Habitat for Humanity is building in Bobcaygeon this spring.
“I have always wanted to own my own home,” Buffy says. “I just never had what was needed to get a mortgage.”
As well as the financial challenges in finding a safe and affordable home, Buffy’s son Ashton has autism and developmental delays. The family’s current apartment is not accessible enough to meet his needs.
Not only will their new Habitat home be safe and affordable, it will include the necessary accessibility accommodations to meet Ashton’s needs.
“I have always wanted stability for my children,” Buffy says. “They have never had a backyard to play in. They have never been able to invite friends over. They have never had a birthday party at home.”
To qualify for Habitat for Humanity’s home ownership program, a family must demonstrate a need for affordable housing, express willingness to partner with Habitat, and demonstrate the ability to make monthly mortgage payments on their home.
A family must also agree to invest 500 “sweat equity” hours in their new home, and attend workshops on financial management and home maintenance to ensure they have the proper knowledge and skills to become successful long-term homeowners.
In exchange, Habitat for Humanity not only helps build the home, but provides a zero-interest geared-to-income mortgage, with no down payment required.
“Habitat offers families a hand-up, not a hand-out,” says Christina Skuce, director of philanthropy and communications with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. “Monthly mortgage payments are set at 25 per cent of a family’s gross income and go towards helping Habitat build more affordable housing.”
Habitat for Humanity relies on volunteer help to supply the labour to build homes, and community fundraising to offset the expense of materials, services, and land not provided through donations. Revenue from Habitat ReStores completely covers Habitat’s administration and revenue costs, so all donations go towards the building of the homes.
To volunteer or to donate, visit habitatpeterborough.ca. If you want, you can designate your donation to go towards a specific build, including the one in Bobcaygeon.
The two new homes will be ready for occupancy at 168 East Street North in Bobcaygeon in fall 2019. Habitat is searching for a second family for the second home to be built in Bobcaygeon, and is still accepting applications.
To learn more and to apply, visit habitatpeterborough.ca/homeownership.
As for Buffy, she is excited to know that while her kids are watching their new home being built, they’ll also be watching the community come together.
“I am overwhelmed with appreciation and I am deeply grateful for this chance to better the lives of myself and my children,” she says.
