Melchor and Mutya dreamed about owning a house. They were renting a basement apartment that lacked appropriate ventilation. Their youngest son, Liam, had developed asthma.

The Habitat for Humanity application process seemed relatively easy, but they were concerned about completing the 500 volunteer hours of ‘sweat equity’ that Habitat homeowners are required to contribute.

“The staff at Habitat WDG were always supportive, always encouraging us to keep going. Habitat gave us hope,” shared Mel.

Mel’s favourite part about the process turned out to be the part that had originally concerned him the most. His sweat equity hours were completed in part by working at the Guelph ReStore, and also by working at the Cityview Village build site, on the very site where his home would soon be located. He met new friends, learned new skills, and was able to feel involved, right from the start.

Mel commented recently, “This new community has so many families, our sons have made many new friends already.”

“We are so happy – we did it for our children. Since moving into our home at Cityview Village, our youngest son’s asthma symptoms have improved. Our well-being has improved. We are so thankful, so grateful that Habitat helped us to realize our dream.”