Building a Brighter Future For The Next Generation
Amber, a single mom, wanted to provide the best she could for her children. She dreamed of giving each of her kids their own room and getting them out of the basement so they would have space to thrive. But rent was expensive and finding an affordable solution seemed near impossible.
“I thought that with COVID, maybe the rates would go down and that everything would become really cheap, but the opposite happened,” says Amber. “I knew I wouldn’t be approved to buy a place on my own. But when I saw what Habitat had to offer, I thought I might be a perfect candidate.”
A good friend of Amber’s was part of the Habitat community and explained the process of applying for a Habitat home. This led Amber to apply and eventually be accepted.
“I think I was approved for a home a weekend after Mother's Day,” says Amber. “The best Mother's Day present ever.”
Amber rolled up her sleeves and started on her service hours at one of Habitat's ReStores as soon as she could, completing all 500 hours within a few months. Balancing the responsibilities of a fitness trainer at the community center was no easy feat. But Amber didn't let her demanding schedule deter her. This was not just about meeting a requirement; this was a testament to her dedication to working hard to provide a better life for her children.
A Supportive Community
Amber says that one of the most valuable aspects of having a Habitat for Humanity home is the sense of community it fosters. She is friends with her neighbours, their kids all get along, and everyone feels safe.
“We are so happy here, Sometimes, I just walk into this house, and I’m like, ‘Oh, my gosh, like, I just love it.’ It’s bright, it’s open, my children are outside playing with other friends, they have like a little group chat. It’s a beautiful opportunity that we have, how the children can play together.”
The opportunity to move to a Habitat home in Mission worked out in other ways, as well, as it allowed her to continue co-parenting with her ex-partner who lives nearby. The location facilitated a seamless co-parenting experience, ensuring their children's well-being and happiness.
Building Memories to Last a Lifetime
Amber's boys have never had their own rooms before, but now they do and have gained a sense of autonomy and responsibility as a result. She has noticed an improvement in their mental health and the way they interact with others. The community atmosphere of the Habitat homes surrounding them also allows them to make friends easily and enjoy their time outside, just like Amber did when she was a child.
Additionally, Amber says that her son, Liam (12), has had an excellent experience at his new school. At first, he was quite shy and nervous to attend, but over the last year his confidence has grown significantly and this summer he was nominated for the school’s Jubilee Award, an award that celebrates student leadership abilities.
“One day the principal calls me,” says Amber, “and she tells me that they are going to nominate Liam. And she said to me, ‘He’s a quiet child, but he has such a strong presence and sets such a good example for the other kids’, and I thought that was just amazing. That just shows how comfortable he is there and how he’s coming into his own self."
This award not only recognized his leadership qualities but also highlighted how the supportive community has positively impacted his self-esteem and his ability to fully be himself.
More Than a Home
Amber's story is a testament to the life-changing impact that Habitat for Humanity has on families. It provides not only a physical home but a sense of security, community, and a brighter future. Amber believes in spreading the message about Habitat's incredible work, as it offers hope and a hand up to those who may feel stuck or in need of assistance.
“I am so grateful. I still volunteer and I even put a team together for the Step Up Challenge. My friends and I fundraised for that. I love doing races and stuff like that. So that’s like right up my alley.”
Amber's journey exemplifies the transformation that is possible when a community comes together to support one another, proving that with determination, support, and the right opportunities, families can truly build brighter futures.