Prideaux Street was the next duplex building project and would be constructed to meet the Built Green Gold Standard. In building the duplex, energy efficient framing methods and environmentally friendly building products would be used. Ground was broken in April 2013 with the help of VIU heavy equipment operator students.
Two single working mothers, Jennifer and her daughters Solace and Maren, and Tara and her sons, Kyler and Jackson were chosen as the future Habitat homeowners.
Jennifer was paying more than $1,200 in rent each month and faced a constant struggle to make ends meet, trapped in the cycle of never being able to get ahead.
Tara lived in a rental that took more than 50% of her income. One of her sons had severe asthma that was aggravated by an allergy to dust mites. The house that they were renting was fully carpeted and her son required hospitalization at times because of his reaction to the dust mites in the carpet.
The two single mothers and their children took possession of their three-bedroom homes in January of 2014. “I’m so grateful for this home, as it will bring life-long stability for my children as well as a future for my children,” said Tara.
“I am thrilled that my daughters will grow up in their own home. I am proud too, that as a hardworking single woman I have at last achieved home ownership for the benefit my family.” said Jenn.