Maranda Belcourt is on the threshold of life as a homeowner. Describing herself as “half moved-in” she’s the latest recipient of a Habitat for Humanity home. She’s excited to finally have a place to call her own, and finally have enough space for her four daughters to have friends over and be able to entertain once the COVID-19 pandemic is over.
“It’s been absolutely amazing, it’s wonderful.”
She said that it’s freeing to have the stability of her own home, and not have to worry about when renovations will happen or whether the rent will increase. She also notes that with four kids, having a place with two bathrooms is “a lifesaver.”
She was very surprised to be the next homeowner, as she didn’t believe she qualified.
Belcourt is the latest homeowner, but she won’t be the last. Habitat for Humanity, Yorkton Branch, is on the search for the next one has begun. Habitat for Humanity has the following requirements for applications for the next homeowner.
They must demonstrate a clear need for safe, decent housing; they must be working, with a reliable and consistent gross annual household income between $32,000 and $66,500; they must be willing to complete 500 volunteer hours and participate in all homeownership preparation workshops, they must have lived in Canada for at least three years and in the Yorkton District for at least two years; and have not declared bankruptcy in the last two years.
Belcourt recommends anyone in the position to apply do so, because she knows how it can change a life.
“Try, just do it, don’t second guess it. The best thing that can happen is you’re told yes. The worst thing is you try again another time.”
Belcourt said that the 500 volunteer hours were great, and she had a lot of people pitch in to help. Her three younger daughters did a great deal of volunteer work, and she said the chance to participate has been a huge positive for their development.
“They grew a lot, with social skills and just being able to talk to people on the fly.”
Belcourt said that she’s going to continue to be involved in Habitat for Humanity.
“Any opportunity to help out, for sure I will.”
Habitat for Humanity Yorkton Branch would also like to thank the businesses in the community who helped make the build possible.
“We are grateful for the support from the numerous businesses, tradespeople, organizations and individuals who have contributed to this project. Thanks to their support the Belcourt family will be able to build strength, stability, and self-reliance in a home they can call their own.” said Yorkton Co-Chair Tom Seeley in a release. “Businesses are facing challenges of their own during these uncertain times, so now more than ever their support is incredibly meaningful.”
Building this home was made possible through in-kind and monetary donations from RH Electric, Carpet One, Altus Geomatics, Deneschuk Homes, TWH Backhoe Service, Gordon’s Sanitation, RANT Plumbing & Heating, Don Blahey , Steamatic, Everlast Eaves & Exteriors, Gerein Appraisal Inc., Logan Stevens, Lynns Point of View, Barr Kosedy Stucco, Enviromatics Group, The Tree Guy, , Whitestone Enterprises, Knights of Columbus, R. Houle Construction, RCMP, Brian Weber, SveinCo Developments, Bradford Construction and Concrete Inc., , High Angle Roofing, D&M Trucking, A-1 Furnace Cleaning, and Wagner’s Flooring.
