Sarita Patel
Back in September, Habitat for Humanity Okanagan in Lake Country laid the foundation stone for its latest project, in which 12 new homes were built for families in need.
Home recipient Amber Biglow, mother of two, says owning a home is a dream come true.
“When I got the call that I wasn’t expecting, we were in Vancouver – my son had just had an operation, so it was very overwhelming to hear,” explains Biglow.
“But after the overwhelming was over, it was just a relief to know that we have the safety of a place to stay and something that is ours.”
The family is currently renting a house from Biglow’s mother in Peachland, but the house is coming up to allow Grandma to retire, which prompted her to apply for the Habitat house.
“I heard about the Lake Country houses and my best friend lives in Lake Country and thought, ‘Oh, I’ll just try,” Biglow said.
“Our families have to go through the whole process and there are criteria they have to meet,” explains Andrea Manifold, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Okanagan.
“It’s fantastic when we can go through this process and tick all the boxes, and Amber definitely did. She has a great need to provide a safe and affordable home for her family. “
Habitat development will include a dozen homes and create its own small community, which is important to Biglow.
“I am human and a community is important to me. My family is big and we have a lot of friends and I think it’s so important to raise your children in a way that I really look forward to this part of the community. “
“We have to make the most of every piece of land we get, and that’s one aspect, but it’s great to actually contribute to a community and hopefully these 12 families will grow and thrive and thrive together,” adds Manifold.
Biglow works six days a week but finds time to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, which is a requirement for maintaining a home.
“Everyone needs to be part of something and know that Habitat is helping other families – it brings people together,” Biglow said.
Manifold states the nonprofit is still raising funds for this build and says everything is helping.
“We have a very large donation button on our website so we need every penny we can raise. That could be money or donate excess product that we can use at home. “
The houses should be ready by the end of next year.
