Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) has welcomed its 100th family into an affordable home, marking a major milestone for the organization.
On Sunday (January 11), Kayla and Jimmy and their three children received the keys to their newly built four-bedroom home in Fraserville in Peterborough County.
The home was made possible through a $100,000 donation from the former Bailieboro-Springville United Church — which sold its buildings in 2012 due to a declining congregation and rising operating costs — along with a land donation from congregation members Don and Pat Wood.
Many of the build volunteers also came from the former congregations, which are now part of Harmony United Church, as well as from Centerville Presbyterian Church. Some volunteers in their late 70s and 80s worked alongside Habitat trades staff to raise the walls and complete the build.
“This build is about creating a lasting legacy and giving our congregation the chance to extend our faith beyond our place of worship and into the local community,” said congregation member Robin Maughan, who first suggested the church donate its sale proceeds to Habitat PKR.
The Fraserville home incorporates universal design and energy-efficient features to reduce utility costs while providing a safe and comfortable living space, reflecting Habitat PKR’s commitment to affordable and sustainable homes. Lifestyle Home Products donated the windows and doors for the project.
During Sunday’s home dedication and key ceremony, homeowner Jimmy thanked donors, volunteers, and the Fraserville community for helping the family have a safe and affordable home.
“Owning a home once felt out of reach for our family, but thanks to Habitat PKR, the church, and the community of Fraserville, we now have the space to build a better future,” he said, adding that the couple’s three children now have rooms of their own.
“Seeing our future neighbours helping raise the walls and volunteer on our home was a powerful reminder of what community truly means,” Jimmy said. “What an incredible example of generosity for our children, and a loving village for them to grow up in. We are proud to call Fraserville our home.”
Local officials attending the ceremony included Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark, Otonabee-South Monaghan Mayor Joe Taylor, and Reverend Neil Ellis of Centreville Harmony Church.
Habitat PKR board chair Hope Lee said reaching the 100-family milestone demonstrates what can happen when people come together to support one another, including members of the former church congregations, build volunteers, donors, and people who shop at the Habitat ReStore which raises money for Habitat PKR builds.
“Welcoming our 100th family into a Habitat home is an incredible achievement,” Lee said. “Kayla, Jimmy, and their children now have a safe, affordable place to thrive, and their home stands as a lasting testament to the power of community.”
Through Habitat PKR’s homeownership program, families purchase their homes with no down payment and an geared-to-income mortgage.
Not only does this make homeownership affordable to working families like Jimmy and Kayla’s, but Habitat homes remain permanently affordable should a family move on, helping ensure the program can continue to serve new families.
The Fraserville project is one of the Habitat PKR builds that have been supported by a $4.75 million funding commitment from the federal government through the Affordable Housing Fund under the National Housing Strategy. Since 2019, the federal government has partnered with Habitat for Humanity Canada to build more than 800 homes across the country through a $65.1 million investment through the fund.
“This build is an amazing example that housing is more than a roof,” said Peterborough MP Emma Harrison in a statement.
“It’s footing in a community, and a promise that no one stands alone. It’s a place where people find safety, stability and a sense of belonging. The investments in this new home will make a real impact on the lives of this family and neighbourhood in Fraserville.”
Habitat PKR’s 100th home underscores the growing impact of donors, church communities, volunteers, and supporters in addressing regional housing challenges and improving access to affordable homeownership.
