BELLEVILLE, ONTARIO (NOVEMBER 21ST, 2023) – Habitat for Humanity PEH has two new families ready to move in to the beautiful duplex on Sidney Street completed by Geertsma Homes. This project was a labour of love from many supporting businesses, with some donating a portion or all of the work into this home. We are all grateful for creating a lasting impact in this community. “Key Ceremonies mark a huge milestone in the lives of Habitat for Humanity families,” says Kathryn Brown, Chair for Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward – Hastings. They bring together a community to mark the hard work and contribution of families, volunteers, and donors.”
One side of this home supports single mother Ji Yeh who immigrated to Canada over 14 years ago. “In my culture, in Korea, everyone has their own home; paying monthly rent is not something that was familiar to me. Renting meant I never felt like it was my space, and I didn’t feel free. I have always felt I needed to have my own house – that’s the only way we can truly settle down and have a sense of belonging. We are excited to know this is our home and we are going to take care of it,” says Ji Yeh, on the excitement of starting this new journey with her daughter. The other half supports the family of Jeanette and Aaron who find that, “home is where family can be all together – accepted no matter what. It’s a safe space, and unconditional love for us all.” They are proud to be part of the Quinte community, “going through this process makes us realize how many great programs there are in our area,” says Jeanette.
Habitat homeownership provides families with more than just equity – it instills in them a renewed sense of pride and responsibility. While the impact is immediate, the effects are lasting. This home in particular had it’s impact from the late Dave Vachon. “This home would not be possible without the generosity of the community. Dave Vachon’s legacy is left here in this home. His wish when he left us was to donate his home to Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings. We turned his wish for his home to be given to a deserving family into two families now having a home. Such a rewarding day for Dave Vachon and our two families,” says Hazzem Koudsi, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings.
Fundamental to Habitat for Humanity’s ability to make housing affordable and to move forward on projects like this is support from funders like the Government of Canada.
“Through the National Housing Strategy, and with partners like Habitat for Humanity, we are making safe and affordable housing a reality for Canadians,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “I am incredibly proud to see the impact of our work today in Belleville as we celebrated an important milestone for these new homeowners. I wish them the very best as they start this new chapter in their lives.”
In March 2023, the Government of Canada and Habitat for Humanity Canada announced an additional $25 million investment to build 500 new affordable homes across Canada over the next three years. This brings the total federal investment in Habitat for Humanity to $80.8 million through the government’s National Housing Co-Investment Fund.
Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings was joined by the City of Belleville and Geertsma Homes to welcome both families into their new homes. “Congratulations and best wishes from the Geertsma Homes Ltd. team and all of our subtrades and suppliers! May your new home be a blessing to you and to your loved ones for many years to come. We are privileged to be a part of your new home journey. Welcome Home!,” says Andy Geertsma, President of Geertsma Homes Ltd.
For further information, please contact:
Hazzem Koudsi, Chief Executive Officer
hazzemk@habitatpeh.org
613-966-4884 ext. 205
Micaal Ahmed
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca
