YORKTON — Habitat for Humanity celebrated the completion of its 10th home in Yorkton on March 10 with a key ceremony.
The event was attended by local and provincial Habitat for Humanity representatives, along with MLA David Chan, Mayor Aaron Kienle, and Alexis Chartrand, the proud new homeowner.
The project was made possible through a $65,000 contribution from the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, alongside support from local businesses, volunteers and community members. Chartrand, a single mother, expressed her gratitude and joy for her new home, where she and her children have been living for the past two weeks.
"I'm feeling overjoyed. It's really surreal that this is our home," said Chartrand in a scrum with reporters at the event, adding, "My children love it, and it's beautiful and amazing."
Chartrand shared her journey to homeownership, which included contributing more than 500 hours of volunteer work as part of Habitat for Humanity's program requirements. From participating in activities at the Gallagher Centre, Culture Days, the Yorkton Community Fridge, and Bruno's Place, Chartrand worked tirelessly to fulfill her commitment on top of working on the home itself.
"It was a lot of hard work – working full time as a single mom – a lot of my friends and family helped with the volunteer hours," said Chartrand.
The impact of Habitat for Humanity's work was underscored by Tom Seeley, co-chair of Habitat for Humanity Yorkton, who reflected on the transformative nature of these projects.
"The key ceremony is such an awesome time," said Seeley, adding, "When it comes to the culmination of the key ceremony and the family getting their home, which they pay for through an affordable mortgage on the appraised value and 500 hours of volunteer time, when you see them getting that key, it is very, very moving."
Over the years, Habitat for Humanity Yorkton has witnessed the profound difference affordable homeownership can make in the lives of families. Co-chair Sylvia Henheffer emphasized the importance of the process.
"It's huge. When you can boost a family and help them along their way and put them in a home that they have helped build, it's amazing," said Henheffer. "When they come to Habitat and they expose who they are, and we welcome them with open arms ... it's huge."
