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How this local family went from low income housing to home ownership

The truth is that sometimes life just doesn’t go the way we expect.

This can leave us in tough situations, with no clear way out no matter how much time, energy or elbow grease we’re willing to put in. These are also the times when a simple helping hand can make all the difference.

“My life took an unexpected turn eight years ago with the breakdown of my marriage. I became the sole breadwinner, and had not worked for over 12 years at that time,” said Tamara, a Kelowna local.

Now a single mother of three, Tamara had to find a way to make things work. Money-wise, things were tight.

<who>Photo Credit: Contributed</who>Tamara and her three children

It has been estimated that raising a child from birth to the age of 18 costs over $250,000. That averages out to over $1,000 per month. Now multiply that by three and add on your own regular costs of living, and you will come to a number that’s not exactly realistic for a single income.

Despite this, Tamara was determined to provide as best she could for her family. They were living in low income housing at the time, and although Tamara was thankful for the roof over her family’s head, it did pose some challenges.

“I am very grateful for this opportunity as it was a stepping stone, but the environment was not the greatest. The police were there at least weekly, and my kids would not go outside or have people over,” said Tamara. “We were living in a neighbourhood where there was lots of drug use. My kids were scared to go outside and yet I couldn’t save for a down payment to buy a home.”

She found an amazing opportunity with the Salvation Army, and one thing led to the next.

“The Salvation Army was running a program for women whose lives may be sideways or broken, that allowed us to heal and participate in new things such as art, group therapy, colours personality training and many others things that allowed us to build our lives again,” said Tamara.

<who>Photo Credit: Habitat for Humanity</who>

“During this time, one of my mentors told me about Habitat for Humanity and said to me ‘When you get back on your feet, you must apply with Habitat.’ That percolated in my mind for the next four years,” added Tamara. “I began to work for the Salvation Army in many roles: Events Coordinator, Front End Admin, Executive Assistance and now currently Volunteer Coordinator. This newest position allowed me to be in a place where my income made it possible to apply for Habitat.”

Tamara had been working hard for years. Despite her career success, she was not able to get ahead in the expensive market — that is, not without some help.

Tamara applied for Habitat for Humanity’s home ownership program, which builds homes for deserving families with the help of volunteers and donations. The families receive homes in exchange for volunteer hours and affordable mortgages, which go back into funding the program.

“When I was approved for a Habitat Home, oh my gosh, I remember I was trying my daughter’s skates and I was over the moon excited,” said Tamara. “It was amazing. We started packing boxes that night!”

<who>Photo Credit: Contributed</who>Tamara's new home

They were accepted in January, and moved into their new home in March. Tamara also had a commitment to volunteer 500 hours in the next two years.

“I had family and friends volunteer 250 hours with Habitat towards my 500. I cannot thank them enough for believing in me and Habitat and working with me,” said Tamara. “I have completed my hours six months early!”

Now, Tamara and her family not only have a safe place to call home, but are able to prosper and grow.

<who>Photo Credit: Habitat for Humanity</who>

“I now own a home which would never have been possible without Habitat and its mandate. I’m in safe housing, and am an owner building equity for my children's futures,” said Tamara. “We are building equity, we have friends over, we are learning about home ownership and we are connected with a great organization.”

If asked to sum up Tamara’s sentiments about the experience in one word, it would have to be grateful.

“Habitat for Humanity is a gift, not in the sense that it is free, but it is something attainable. It is where families can believe and hope,” said Tamara. “The staff, board and volunteers make this initiative what it is. The Okanagan is a forerunner for Habitat, paving the way for other affiliates nationwide.”

<who>Photo Credit: Contributed</who>

“I would be remiss not to mention that most of the work is done by volunteers! I have worked alongside them at the Restores and are amazed by their passion and belief in what Habitat does,” added Tamara. “I love when I tell a volunteer I am a partner family and thank them for what they do, and they light up and see a face that has been affected by their hours of volunteering.”

Now, Tamara’s family is doing better than ever. Her three kids are teenagers attending Heritage Christian School and OKM, and Tamara is still working at the Salvation Army.

If you’re looking for a cause to give back to this year or in 2019, consider donating time, supplies or funds to Habitat for Humanity. Your contributions make a difference in the lives of local families!

“This is what dreams are made of. It has blessed my family not just now, but for the future.”


Habitat for Humanity Okanagan is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit, housing organization. Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership model empowers families to invest in homeownership. Through volunteer labour, efficient management and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates simple, decent houses with the help of homeowner (partner) families.
NowMedia sponsored content is written and posted in partnership with participating businesses. While NowMedia retains editorial control of sponsored content, the content is created in collaboration with the sponsor.


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