Habitat PKR Welcomes 12 Families Home to Leahy’s Lane Phase II
On October 20, 2024, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) proudly marked a significant milestone with the completion of the final phase of the Leahy’s Lane development, featuring 12 new affordable homes. This innovative 53-unit project is vital to Habitat PKR’s mission of fostering strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.
The Dedication Ceremony, held at 21 Leahy’s Lane, brought together community leaders, project partners, and supporters to celebrate this achievement. New homeowner Mohamed, who will move into his home with his wife and 5-year-old son, shared the profound impact this opportunity will have on his family. “Having a stable place for my son to grow up in means everything to us,” he said, highlighting how Habitat PKR provides financial security and stability for families.
Leahy’s Lane Phase II includes 11 two-bedroom units and one one-bedroom unit. Each unit is designed to ensure energy efficiency and long-term affordability. Also, this development, built using universal design principles, reduces utility costs for families while providing a safe, comfortable living space. With the completion of Phase II, a total of 53 local families have been able to achieve homeownership through Habitat’s affordable homeownership program at Leahy’s Lane in Peterborough.
If you had asked me eight years ago whether I would ever own a home, I would have said, ‘No, never.’ But today, standing here, it feels like a dream come true for my family and me.
MOHAMED, 21 LEAHY’S LANE HOMEOWNER
“Homeownership isn’t just about providing shelter – it’s about giving families the foundation they need to thrive and build a better future. The families moving into these homes are gaining a hand-up, not a hand-out, into the security and financial stability they need to thrive,” said Susan Zambonin, CEO of Habitat PKR. “We are grateful for partnerships with CMHC and Kawartha Credit Union, whose kind support makes projects like Leahy’s Lane possible and helps address the urgent need for affordable housing in our community.”
The families moving into these homes are gaining a hand-up, not a hand-out, into the security and financial stability they need to thrive
SUSAN ZAMBONIN, CEO, HABITAT PKR
Funding from the Government of Canada has been integral to this build. Since 2019, the Government of Canada has made a total funding commitment of $4.75M through the Affordable Housing Fund under the National Housing Strategy towards Habitat Peterborough & Kawartha Region projects, including these homes.
“Habitat for Humanity is an invaluable partner in our work to tackle the housing crisis and ensure that everyone has a safe and affordable place to call their own,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “I am delighted to welcome these families into their new homes today and wish them the very best as they start their next chapters.”
In addition to government support, Habitat PKR relies on essential partnerships with organizations like Kawartha Credit Union, whose affordable mortgage partnership allows Habitat PKR homeowners to achieve homeownership without a down payment and with payments geared to their income.
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to tour the new safe, decent, and affordable homes, including a staged unit, which featured furniture and décor from Habitat PKR’s ReStores. Habitat PKR was supported by Angela Jones, of Lakeshore Designs with staging techniques. Habitat ReStore plays a critical role in supporting Habitat PKR’s mission by covering all operational costs and ensuring that all cash donations go directly toward building affordable homes. Those who shop and donate at the Peterborough North ReStore, Lakefield ReStore, and Lindsay ReStore are key contributors to supporting the construction of affordable homes like those at Leahy’s Lane.
Attendees were given the opportunity to tour a staged 1-bedroom Unit with furniture and decor sourced from Habitat PKR’s ReStores.
While the completion of Leahy’s Lane Phase II is a significant milestone, Habitat PKR continues to work towards addressing the region’s affordable housing needs. In 2023 alone, the organization received 316 requests for affordable housing. “While today’s dedication is a moment to celebrate, it is also a reminder that our work is far from finished,” added Zambonin.
“The housing crisis persists and the demand for affordable housing in the Peterborough and Kawartha Region continues to grow. As the leading developer of affordable housing in our community, we are committed to meeting this need through continued construction and community support.”
Together, we can empower more families through affordable homeownership. Give today to build more affordable homes for families in our community.
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