OUR FAMILIES – CURRENT AND PAST STORIES

PICCIO FAMILY 

The Piccio family has been in Brampton for years now and has moved many times. The thought of packing up their things, adjusting to the new apartment, and fitting into in one small place after another was demoralizing. The constant change made it hard to plan for their future. The dream: Simply having a bigger dining table to gather around as a family. Thanks to their new Habitat-built home, they can dine together at the table without tools and machines all over the place. Jose can concentrate on getting his certification as an aircraft technician in his “tool room”. Mary can cook dinner and take care of  the family. The kids have space to study without getting in one another’s way. Now, they have the space to have friends and family over, host Bible study groups and focus on being part of a community. Home means love.

OSORIO FAMILY

The Osorio family has lived in Brampton’s historic and beautiful Elliot House since 2009. Eliana believes that her life and that of her husband and four children have dramatically improved. “We dedicate a lot of time in our garden. It’s the first time I’ve had a garden—and let me tell you, it’s beautiful,” she says. It was also the first time the Osorios had a safe, quiet and happy place in which to flourish. Before Habitat Brampton became part of their lives, they often moved from place to place. Having their own home has allowed the family to put down roots and it’s brought them closer together. Thanks to Habitat home ownership, the Osorios are now able to save for their children’s education.

MILLINGTON FAMILY

When Jennin came to Canada from Trinidad at 19 years of age, she faced a major culture shock. She missed the sense of community she had grown up with. As a single mother of three, life was tough. She turned to Habitat Brampton after a friend encouraged her to apply as a candidate for home ownership. At first she was apprehensive but her doubts soon faded away when she discovered that Habitat people genuinely cared and wanted to help her find a more suitable and affordable home. Her current rental situation is less than ideal and she equates paying rent with throwing money away. She has no financial freedom. Owning a home will allow her to invest in an asset that she will own someday. She and her children also spent time volunteering at the ReStore. Habitat Brampton has changed her life, “Home means comfort and contentment. You don’t have to have a lot of things in it as long as you have love,” she says.

ROBERTS FAMILY

Enjoying special occasions with extended family is important to Jaime Roberts. Before moving into her Habitat Brampton home on July 30^th, 2004, large gatherings at Christmas were fractured and difficult. Now everyone gathers at her home for Christmas, Easter and birthday celebrations. Her children are thriving in a safer, healthier place. They love having a backyard to play in. Jaime feels far more secure in an established neighbourhood and has developed friendships with some of the neighbours.