Habitat for Humanity completes two new homes on Forbes Street in London


March 15, 2019 – London, ON - Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario is excited to partner with Jodey’s family and with Brianne’s family at the key ceremony for two homes at 28 and 30 Forbes Street on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 11:00AM.
 
We are so grateful to the many corporate sponsored teams who showed such enthusiastic support for our homeowners during Women Build and The House that FM96 Built”, said Brian Elliot CEO, Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario. “It is really encouraging when teams respond to our call and with enthusiasm. Many have been on our build site in the past and continue to help build strength and stability for families right here in our community through affordable home ownership.
 
Local Habitats across Canada participate in Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build as a way to bring women together in a shared mission to help families in need of a decent and affordable place to call home. Habitat’s Women Build empowers women to take action against the affordable housing crisis. It involves women building, investing and advocating for a world where everyone has a decent place to live. By bringing women together, from all walks of life, we promote spirit, empowerment, solidarity, fun, learning and pride, all while working alongside future Habitat homeowners to build self-reliance through affordable homeownership.
 
According to Jen Leppard, Marketing and Communications Manager for Magil Construction, “For the London & District Association’s Women in Construction (WIC) group, being a part of the Women Build was exceptionally meaningful. Having students and women in the industry spend the week together, building a home, created an organic environment for what WIC is all about, mentoring and encouraging young women pursuing careers in construction. We were very pleased to support Habitat for Humanity and help build Brianne’s home for her and her son, and we look forward to participating again.”
 
This year our Women Build has been active in building a home for Brianne, a single mother taking care of her 14 year old son Brayden and trying to save for the future. Brayden is severely disabled and uses a wheelchair but their current home is not accessible. Brianne has been finding it more difficult to transfer Brayden between rooms and tending to his daily needs such as bathing. It was very taxing on her body and she relied on other family members for help. In their new, accessible Habitat home, Brianne will be able to move about the single level main floor for every part of Brayden’s care and daily life activities. She is also very excited about spending time together in their own backyard as Brayden really loves the outdoors. According to Brianne, “Owning my own home means stability, being able to keep my son with me longer, knowing I can safely transport my son without struggling and hurting myself.” Thank you for supporting Brianne and Brayden’s growing sense of strength, stability and self-reliance. 
Right next door to our Women Build, The House that FM96 Built has been supported by many energetic teams from local corporations and community groups. Jim Kelly, co-host of the Taz Show on FM 96 says, “ It was an absolute pleasure teaming up with Habitat for Humanity to build a home for Jodey and her son Adalton. Not only did we meet a great local family, we learned about the vast and amazing work Habitat for Humanity does for individuals and communities in the London area. It was a blast teaming up with my coworkers, swinging a hammer and seeing the build from the ground up. I’m looking forward to a moment, years from now, when I drive by Jodey and Adalton’s house and say with pride: “That’s the house that Habitat for Humanity and FM96 built!”
Jodey was born and raised in London Ontario. For Jodey, family has always been her first priority, she has been a busy single working mom and the sole provider for her 17-year-old son Adalton for 8 years. Adalton is also very ambitious, having worked part time for the past 3+ years as well as being very involved with school, community and sports all of his life, thanks to the help and support of his grandparents. 
 
Adalton is attending Brock University with scholarships for academic achievement. He has been invited to train and possibly join varsity rowing at Brock thanks to the training he has received locally at the London Rowing Club.
 
Adalton intends to pursue a degree in Sports Management with the hopes of possibly working locally with the London Lightning one day! Jodey has worked hard to provide for her family. However, with a single income the need to be tightly budgeted in order to cover the cost of housing and life essentials had made homeownership seem impossible to attain. She and Adalton will now be able to own a home of their own!
 
The public are invited to come out and celebrate with us on March 28.

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Who: Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario
What: Dedication Day - 28 and 30 Forbes Street, London
When: March 28, 2019 - 11:00am
Contact: Habitat Heartland - Sharon Brennan, General Manager Community Partnerships sbrennan@habitat4home.ca 519 455 6623 # 231

About Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario
Habitat for Humanity believes that every man, woman and child has the right to the confidence, security and hope that a home provides. Affordable housing is key to building strong, equitable and thriving communities. By mobilizing volunteers and community partners, we can build affordable housing and promote homeownership.

Jodey and Adalton
Jodey and Adalton - The House that FM 96 Built
Brianne and Brayden
Brianne and Brayden - Women Build 2018-2019