6 families receive Habitat homes
The look on Leanne Kirk’s face was a mixture of happiness, contentment and relief.
That’s because the mother of two knew she was getting a fresh start thanks to Habitat for Humanity.
Kirk and her two children, Zoey and Jayce, were among six families who on Thursday were handed the keys to their homes on the edge of Fort Saskatchewan. (The children’s surnames were not disclosed.)
Construction of the 16 homes about 40 minutes north of Edmonton began earlier this year as part of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project that brought the former U.S. president and his wife to Alberta. Work will continue well into the new year to get the final 10 homes finished.
In all, 75 homes were slated for construction this year in Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan as part of one of the largest Habitat builds in the province.
Nine new homeowners will get keys in a ceremony in Edmonton next week, officials said.
Asked how she was feeling following the official ceremony, Kirk needed just three words. Overwhelmed. Excited. Emotional.
“It’s been quite the process,” she said standing in the kitchen of her new home.
“It means a fresh start, and a sense of independence.
“There’s a sense of pride in giving my kids a home and something I was able to work on.”
As for Zoey, moving into her new home in the new year means one thing.
“My brother is going to have his own room and I’m going to have my own room,” the 71/2 year old said.
“The first thing I’m going to do is go straight to my room and lay down. I get a new room and I’m happy about it.”
Alfred Nikolai, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Edmonton, said the project continued a long tradition with the city, with more than 700 volunteers helping with the build.