Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver is gearing up for another exciting event in North Vancouver – the Coldest Night of The Year, taking place on Feb 24, 2024. Events like this wouldn’t be possible without the heartfelt support of dedicated volunteers, people like Denise, a proud Habitat Partner Family who has been touched by the transformative power of Habitat's mission.

“I heard about the Coldest Night of The Year through Habitat,” says Denise. “I decided to volunteer to put in my volunteer hours as I was one of the lucky ones to be chosen to have a townhouse built by Habitat.”

Becoming a Partner Family

Denise's journey with Habitat began when she found herself living in substandard housing with her children. The organization provided her with an opportunity to move into a safe, new townhouse through the Habitat housing program.

“I heard of the Habitat through the Aboriginal liaison at my son's school. They had sent an email to all the Aboriginal & Metis families, and I filled out the application and sent it in,” explains Denise.

However, the journey from application to acceptance was not without its moments of anticipation and longing. "I would drive by and manifest that I was living there. I was actually a bit obsessed. I just wanted to live in my place so bad and wanted to have neighbors that were also moving forward and have a community that looks after one another.”

When Denise was notified that she was accepted and could move in July 1, she was completely overjoyed.

Reflecting on the broader impact of Habitat for Humanity, Denise emphasizes the crucial role the organization plays in times of housing instability. "Habitat, for me, means a lifting hand, especially in these times where the housing market is wildly out of control, whether it is buying or even just renting."

Volunteering at Coldest Night

When Denise heard that Habitat was organizing their 2nd annual Coldest Night of the Year event, she signed up right away. Thanks to volunteers like her, Habitat was able to host 125 walkers and raise over $36,000. Denise's positive experience last year has motivated her to volunteer again this year.

“I volunteered to help because I am a people person—the more, the merrier—and thought this event is right up my alley,” says Denise. “I liked it so much that I want to volunteer this year, not because I need any more hours, but because I want to give back and because it was such a great group of people putting it together.”

Through events like the Coldest Night of The Year, Habitat not only raises crucial funds but also fosters a sense of community and togetherness. As the event approaches, the Greater Vancouver community is invited to come out and volunteer, just like Denise, and help build a brighter future for families in need. We’re also looking for people to walk in the event and/or donate to the cause.

Join us on Feb 24: https://cnoy.org/location/northvancouver

Petr Basel — one of our Mission Partner Families — has a diverse professional background. Since immigrating from the Czech Republic in 2009, he has worked in hospitality, ran his own videography business, driven bus around Vancouver, and now has a full-time job with the city of Mission. But more recently, he’s created a side-business in the field of home care and maintenance as a way to build up his savings.

It all started when he was living in Whistler many years ago and cleaning windows. He enjoyed the work and found it to be profitable at that time, so he decided to try his hand at it once again in his new Mission community. Within months, the business (Mission Window Washing) took off and Petr found he was having to take bookings weeks in advance. This quickly led to expanding his services to gutter cleaning, as well.

“I added gutter cleaning because it kind of goes hand in hand with windows,” explains Petr. “In the Spring, I plan to add pressure washing for homes, roofs, and driveways.”

“With this new business, there’s so many homes and buildings to clean, and the advantage is I can be home for dinner and not on the road.”

— Petr Basel

Transitioning Career

While Petr loved his 6+ years of work as a self-employed videographer and photographer, he found it challenging to pursue new contracts in a highly competitive market. There were days where work was plentiful, then times where he’d have no work for months. On top of that, many of his contracts required him to spend a lot of time traveling and away from his family at home.

“With this new business, there’s so many homes and buildings to clean, and the advantage is I can be home for dinner and not on the road,” says Petr.

The Challenge of Home Ownership and An Unexpected Opportunity

Petr says that he loved his time living in Whistler and Vancouver, but found that the soaring real estate prices made it feel impossible to try raising children.

“We liked it in Vancouver, but rent was going up every year,” explains Petr. “We started at $1300 for a tiny old one bedroom. Within five years, it had gone to $1750. For us, this was quite a lot.”

Discouraged and faced with the prospect of an unattainable housing market in Vancouver, Petr considered moving as far away as Smithers to pursue home ownership. But everything changed when he learned about Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver and was able to secure a house for his family in Mission.

“I had no idea Habitat was here, at first,” explains Petr. “When we learned about it, we applied. It took some time, but we got very lucky and received housing in Mission. It’s unreal. We have some really good neighbors. We have a playground right in front of our door, and a safe place for our kid. Coming from our one-bedroom tiny apartment to a three-bedroom townhouse with a garage – that’s something we couldn’t imagine.”

“I’m very thankful for everything, and try to volunteer my time.”

— Petr Basel

Changed Lives Change Lives

Grateful for the opportunity, Petr now actively volunteers his time with Habitat whenever he can, and cleans gutters for some of the other Habitat homes in Richmond and Mission at a discounted rate. Every chance he gets, he spreads word about the work that Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver is doing in the Lower Mainland.

“We need more of this for everybody. Housing is a huge issue now,” says Petr.

As Petr continues to see success and growth in his business, he remains dedicated to spreading awareness about affordable housing solutions and contributing to the well-being of his community. His story serves as an inspiring example of how housing stability can make such a difference in an individual's journey and how that can make an even bigger positive impact on the lives of others.

In 2018, Rowena had spent several months looking for a new home for her and her son, Justin. At the time, they were living in a one-bedroom condo in Vancouver so they could be closer to Rowena’s work, but the situation had become increasingly difficult for them when they discovered that the unit was infested with rodents.

“I was glad in the morning when it was time for us to go to school and work, and I would dread coming home,” says Rowena.

Safety was a serious concern, as they could hear the sounds of mice scratching and crawling around the condo at night while they tried to sleep. Her son was eight years old at the time and was terrified. The two of them would end up sleeping together most nights.

But as much as she wanted to find a new place to rent, they were unable to relocate as prices were far out of range for her on a single-household income.

Unexpected Encounter With Hope

It was April 2018 when Rowena and her coworkers decided to volunteer at a Habitat for Humanity build project in Richmond.

“When I first came here, it was just the foundation. We were putting up pieces of wood to build the frame of these houses,” says Rowena, who had no idea that she was standing on the spot that would one day be her home.

After that first day of volunteering, Rowena found herself inspired by the work that Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver has been doing in the Lower Mainland. She wasn’t sure if she would qualify as a candidate for a home, but she figured she would apply.

It took some time to process everything, but after a year, Rowena and her coworkers were invited back for another build day. She was impressed by how much had been built in the time since she was last there. As she worked with her colleagues on the site, she was greeted by a staff member from Habitat who announced to everyone that Rowena would be one of the lucky five families who had been selected to receive a home at this location.

“It was so fantastic,” says Rowena. “I remember the emotions on that day. Everyone was cheering! I was so surprised. It was so emotional and it really touched me inside, knowing what the next step was going to be for me and my son. It was the best feeling. I’ll never forget it.”

On July 1st, 2019, Rowena and Justin moved into a beautiful two-bedroom suite in one of the houses that she herself helped build!

It Takes a Village

In many ways, this was a dream come true. No longer would Rowena have to worry about rodents, feeling unsafe in her own home, or wondering what the future would be for her son. They each had their own room, there was a backyard, other kids in a community who Justin could play with, a park nearby, his school within walking distance, and a community of other families right next door. Rowena knew this was going to be the best place for Justin to grow into a young man.

“In my experience with this community, the whole ‘it takes a village’ really does mean something,” says Rowena as she reflects on the community around them. “We watch each other’s kids. If we’re away, there’s always someone watching our place. We also learn a lot from each other. I wasn’t much of a gardener before but some of my friends in this community are and I’ve learned a lot from them.”

Another aspect of the community that has been so meaningful for Rowena was the support she received during the COVID-19 pandemic. As everyone was isolated in their homes, she was so grateful to have a safe and comfortable place to be with Justin.

“During the pandemic, I could not imagine what it would have been like in our little one-bedroom apartment, with mice in the walls, not being able to go out. Here, we could go outside, with the backyard.”

Affordable Homes Change Lives

As she reflects on the journey that led her to this place, Rowena says she is overcome with gratitude and joy. The experience was life-changing for them both and has given Rowena hope in a time when she was feeling trapped.

“Without the donors out there… families like myself and my friends in this community would not have a safe affordable place to live,” says Rowena. “I am so thankful.”