From the Desk of Hazzem Koudsi, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings.
August is a month known for weddings where love fills the air and reminds us of happy times in our lives. Along with the excitement of becoming newlyweds, these celebrations often serve as a bridge to new futures, influencing decisions about homeownership, and the life the couple envisions together. Within that life together it’s important to carve out time to lay the framework for what the rest of their lives will look like. Whether it’s discussing the ideal location, the type of house, or the lifestyle they aspire to maintain, the time spent aligning their visions and shaping their future is invaluable. A home provides stability, security, and a sense of belonging. It is a place where couples can create memories, start families, and build their future.
Now more than ever we need the housing market to be more accessible to give our young newlyweds the hopes that their dreams and plans will at some point come to fruition. Homeownership is a significant milestone for many couples, representing stability, security, and a commitment to building a life together. But that’s all at risk with today’s housing market giving signs that affordability is out of reach and dashing dreams and potentially straining these budding relationships. Owning a home allows couples to invest in their property, personalize their living space, and build equity over time. This sense of ownership fosters pride and responsibility, which are essential qualities for any successful marriage.
Homeownership is more than owning a house, it’s about building a foundation for stability and generational success. Within this foundation, newlyweds have the ability to explore different avenues of how they want their lives to unfold and if desired, growing their family. Habitat for Humanity can move families into homes and help these young families achieve their dreams of home ownership. We do this through donations from you and the work of our volunteers and employees in the ReStore selling products that are donated, which gives us the much-needed resources to build homes and help our communities grow.
As we celebrate the joys of summer and the beauty of new beginnings, we invite you to join us in our mission. Whether you are a newlywed couple dreaming of homeownership or a community member looking to make a difference, there are many ways to get involved with Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings. Together, we can build a brighter future for all.