Habitat for Humanity Red Deer presented keys to their newest homeowner families in a home dedication ceremony which took place on Thursday, April 13 at 3:30 pm 5616 Vista Trail in Blackfalds, Alberta.

The build project, consisting of two duplexes, is Phase II of affordable housing units built in the Town of Blackfalds. Since 2021, a total of 8 affordable housing units have been built in the Town of Blackfalds by Habitat Red Deer.

Special guests in attendance included Leland Corbett from Habitat for Humanity Canada, provincial MLA Ron Orr, Red Deer/Lacombe MP Blaine Calkins, Blackfalds mayor Jamie Hoover, and Red Deer mayor Ken Johnston.

The ceremony included a home blessing from Elder Lynn Jonasson from the Urban Aboriginal Voices Society, and was followed by the key presentations as well as the family impact speeches.

The Home Dedication Ceremony is the most special and significant event at the conclusion of a Habitat home build, a time to celebrate the support, dedication, and hard work of our donors, volunteers, community partners, and homeowner families.

home ceremony

Under the Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) - an ambitious 10-year plan that will invest $82+ billion to give more Canadians a place to call home - the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF) is a program that gives priority to projects that help people who need it most. Its target includes women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans, and young adults.

“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Our government is pleased to support these four families in achieving ownership of their own homes in Blackfalds, which will help them thrive in their community. Through partnerships with incredible organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, we will continue to make a real difference here in Alberta and across Canada. This is the National Housing Strategy at work.” The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion

home ceremony

Habitat for Humanity Red Deer Region is a registered charitable organization that is dedicated to helping Central Alberta families build better lives through affordable homeownership. Habitat for Humanity Red Deer builds homes in partnership with qualifying low-income, working families through a no-down-payment, interest-free mortgage program.

“Across the country, our government is working with our partners like Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing that supports resilient and prosperous communities. Today’s announcement in Blackfalds represents more than just housing, but a place for Alberta families to call home, to make memories, and to live a life with dignity”. - Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism, Associate Minister of Finance, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre

Habitat for Humanity Red Deer has been active in Central Alberta since 1994 and with the completion of Phase II Aspen Lakes Blackfalds, has since built 46 homes in the region with the help of dedicated donors and volunteers.

“After 11 months of building, we are thrilled to be welcoming 4 new homeowner families as the newest Blackfalds residents! Each family has contributed 500 volunteer hours as part of their partnership commitment, working alongside more than 250 volunteers over the course of this build. We are so grateful for the tremendous support from our dedicated donors and partners to help make these families’ dreams of homeownership become reality!”, notes Karen Vavrek, Habitat for Humanity Red Deer CEO.

 

 

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