KAWARTHA LAKES-Buffy Molleson’s kids have never had a back yard to play in, never had a birthday party at home and have never been able to invite friends over. Until now.
The Molleson family’s future is looking brighter after being selected to own one of two Habitat for Humanity homes being built in Bobcaygeon this spring. Molleson and her son and daughter, Ashton (9) and Ocean (8), are Habitat for Humanity’s newest future-homeowners.
To Buffy, it means a way to overcome a previously insurmountable obstacle, and a way to provide a stable home for her children. “I have always wanted to own my own home, I just never had what was needed to get a mortgage,” says Buffy. “I am overwhelmed with appreciation and I am deeply grateful for this chance to better the lives of myself and my children.”
The Molleson family has been searching for a decent and affordable place to call home. Ashton’s autism and developmental delays mean accessibility around the family’s current apartment is a big problem. Their new Habitat home will be safe, decent and affordable with necessary accessibility accommodations built in.
“I have always wanted stability for my children.” says Buffy.
The Molleson’s qualified for Habitat’s Homeownership Program by demonstrating a need for affordable housing, expressing a willingness to partner with Habitat, and demonstrating the ability to make monthly mortgage payments on their home. Families must also agree to perform 500 ‘sweat equity’ hours and are required to attend workshops on financial management and home maintenance to ensure they have the proper knowledge and skills to become successful long-term homeowners.
“Habitat offers families a ‘hand-up’, not a ‘hand-out’ by providing a 0% interest, geared to income mortgage, with no down payment required,” says Christina Skuce, Director of Philanthropy & Communications with Habitat for Humanity, Peterborough & Kawartha Region. “Monthly mortgage payments are set at 25% of a family’s gross income and go towards helping Habitat build more affordable housing.”
Volunteer help is also needed to supply labour and community fundraising to offset the expense of materials, services, and land not provided through donations. Administration and fundraising costs are completely covered by revenue from Habitat ReStores, so 100% of every dollar donated goes to home building. You can designate your donation to the Bobcaygeon build.
By next fall, two new homes will be ready for occupancy at 168 East Street North in Bobcaygeon. Applications are still being accepted as Habitat searches for a second family for the second home to be built. To learn more about applying to own a Habitat home, please visit http://habitatpeterborough.ca/homeownership/.
With a little help from Habitat for Humanity, homeowner families can achieve the strength and self reliance they need to build better lives. Families like the Molleson’s are empowered to overcome the barriers that so often stand between their families and better, healthier, more financially stable lives.
Buffy Molleson is excited to know that while her kids are watching their new home being built, they’ll also be watching the community come together. She plans to teach them to never take anything for granted, and to show Ashton and Ocean that what may seem unreachable is in fact possible!
