Habitat for Humanity changes local family's life

“There are a lot of people in the world who deal with a lot less, and we always believe that you make your own normal. You just run with whatever you’ve got.”

This is what Amy had to say about the small, two-bedroom home where she lived with her husband Seth and their three children — their oldest daughter Ebe who is now 11, their son Jovan who is now eight, and their youngest daughter Ailielle who just started kindergarten.

When Seth decided that he wanted to pursue a career as an aircraft maintenance engineer, a decision that was fully supported by Amy, the family moved to Vernon for Seth’s schooling. He then found a job in West Kelowna.

While Seth and Amy knew that this career change would provide a happier and more stable future, they were also aware that the journey there would not be without challenges.

“During the first two and a half years out of his program, he was still considered an apprentice so his wage wasn’t exactly fantastic for a family with three kids,” said Amy. “We knew this going into it, and we were willing to make that sacrifice for a career that would give opportunity for growth and for him to work in an area that he’s gifted in and give us some stability.”

“It was an investment because during those first number of years, you don’t make a lot at all,” added Amy.

With Seth working hard to earn his place in his new career, and Amy taking care of three young kids, money was tight. Not only that, but Seth was commuting from Vernon to West Kelowna for work every day. After a year of commuting, the family decided to move to West Kelowna.

“We decided to make that move even though we knew the market was a bit higher here, but we wanted to salvage as much time as a family as we could,” said Amy. “All our three kids were in the same room, but we were so thankful to have that and to be able to be close to Seth’s work.”

Three kids in one bedroom doesn’t leave much wiggle room — there wasn’t even room for a dresser. As well, Jovan has downs syndrome, and the lack of space made it challenging to help him reach important milestones.

Seth and Amy knew that living in the Okanagan provided opportunity, but getting ahead and being able to afford a larger home wasn’t looking realistic any time soon.

“We definitely weren’t making enough to be able to make headway in this market,” said Amy. “The Okanagan is a pretty steep market, even for rent — it’s quite high here compared to other places we’ve been.”

So, they applied for Habitat for Humanity’s home ownership program and were elated when they found out they were accepted. With the help of donations and volunteers, Habitat for Humanity builds homes for families in need, in exchange for volunteer hours and an affordable mortgage. The mortgage contributions are then reinvested back into the program to build more homes. Amy volunteered countless hours at the ReStore, where she made some amazing friends with other selfless volunteers.

The new home was still modest, but an extra bedroom made all the difference, and Amy and Seth noticed the positive impact right away. Especially for Jovan, who now had his own room.

“If you don't give kids with downs syndrome opportunity and force them to take the opportunity, they won't necessarily start making those milestones,” said Amy. “The milestones we've seen him gain just in that one change has been so cool to see.”

“Having a kid with special needs, it's usually about all the mini milestones that people wouldn't see, but that you see. Literally in the first month that we were in there, there were things that I did not anticipate, it wasn't even on my radar and then we would see them happen with Jovan which was just so cool,” added Amy.

Jovan slept in a confined bed in the old house because he has a tendency to get up and roam during the night, and would often wake up his sisters or fall asleep in random places. With his own room he was able to have a normal bed, and Amy and Seth were so delighted to see that he started returning to his own bed after getting up during the night. This is a big deal.

He was also able to start developing routines, like putting his socks on in the morning since he now had his own organized dresser. The girls also benefited greatly from having their own space, developing healthy routines and habits, like getting themselves ready in the morning and keeping their room tidy.

The immediate positive impact on the kids was huge, and it’s not the only way the family benefitted. Financially, this opportunity gave Seth and Amy a chance to get ahead.

“We weren’t just in the hamster wheel anymore, where we were getting nowhere,” said Amy. “It was such a relief when we could say ‘we are going to be able to start building towards something.’ That wouldn’t have happened without this.”

“We're not a rarity. In this market and in this area, we are not a rarity,” said Amy. “There's a type of family who are in this grey area where you're not quite making it, but you're almost there and it’s amazing to be able to have a loving and encouraging and supportive organization like Habitat for Humanity who just helps to give people that step up.”

“It's not a hand out, you do need to earn it, you do need to be attentive and responsible, and you do need to sacrifice a bit. I definitely see a huge need in our area and an incredible way that the people in this organization are going about giving people that helping hand. Not a hand out but a helping hand, to reach out and say it’s okay, we'll help you, let's get you up to this next step.”

For Amy and her family, this hand up has made all the difference. Seth is doing well at work, her kids are thriving, and the future looks bright.

“We're not necessarily ahead yet, but we're at least going somewhere.”

If you're looking for a way to give back, consider donating supplies, funds or your time with Habitat for Humanity. Your contributions make a difference!