A Winnipeg mom and her young daughter have a new place to celebrate and make long-lasting memories just in time for Christmas.

Late last week, Melissa and her daughter, Violet, were officially welcomed to their new Habitat home. 

"Melissa's daughter was so excited about the move that she decided to draw her new Habitat home to show friends and family," said Habitat for Humanity Manitoba in a social media post.

Her drawing was complete with doodles of two bathrooms, three bedrooms and two floors.

HabitatViolet's drawing of her new home (Habitat for Humanity Manitoba/Facebook)

The mother-daughter duo, who experienced a challenging year, received the keys to their new Elmwood area home on Friday. 

"My mind is blown," said Melissa as she walked through the doors. "I've got three bedrooms. Not just one big room and two small ones."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Habitat for Humanity Manitoba (@habitatforhumanitymb)

A second family received keys to the house next door, allowing them to enjoy the holidays in a place they can call their own.

“We are thrilled these two families get to gather in their new homes just in time for the holidays thanks to the incredible generosity of CMHC, sponsors, donors and volunteers,” says Jamie Hall, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Manitoba. “The memories they create in their new home this season will be remembered for years to come, and this investment will have a lasting and positive impact on the families and the broader community of Elmwood.”

Recently, Habitat for Humanity Canada released its 2023 Affordable Housing Survey, revealing Canadians’ attitudes toward the housing crisis and their growing concerns about the ability to afford housing in this country.

It revealed that now more than ever, things like the Habitat homeownership program are needed to help people reach that goal. 

“As a government, we are committed to working with organizations like Habitat for Humanity to ensure that all Canadians have a safe and affordable place to call their own,” said the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “I am very happy to see these two families get the keys to their new homes today, and I wish them the very best as they start this new chapter in their lives.

Since 2019, the Government of Canada has made a total funding commitment of $7,959,000 towards Habitat Manitoba’s projects, including this project.