By Kayla Bruch

P.A. family reaches goal of home ownership

Nov 14, 2014 | 4:41 PM

For the Rabut family, Friday marked the first of many days in their newly owned home.

The family has been a Habitat for Humanity (HFH) partner family for over a year now.

During a key ceremony, Tracy along with her two children, London and Lachlen, received the keys and the title to their home, located at 2000 13th Street West.

“I don’t know how to explain the feeling, it’s nice to know that we can own our own home,” said Tracy Rabut. “We rented our old house for seven years and it was our home, but it wasn’t ours, so it’s nice that this is truly our home.”

Tracy said her 8-year-old daughter London’s reaction to the newly mortgaged home was “wow, we get our own house?”

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London said she prefers their ‘real home’ over renting.

“It’s better to have a real home that you can actually live in.” She also said she likes her new room, “It’s better than my other room.”

Tracy said reaching her goal of a rent-free home has taken a long time. She said after months of applications and two interviews she received a letter stating they were accepted.

“About five years ago I decided that I really wanted to own my own home, I was tired of renting and I’m a single parent, so banks found me unfavourable with one income,” said Tracy. “It was a goal I wanted to achieve and I just didn’t think it was possible and now it is.”

Duane Hayunga, board member with HFH said after the tenants of a Habitat home have lived in their residence for at least a year the family is congratulated for their successful home ownership.

“They go from a fixed term tenancy agreement, which is essentially a rent to own, to receiving their mortgage for the home,” said Hayunga.

Tracy struggled for words when she was asked if she appreciated what HFH has done for her.

“I wish there was another word, other than ‘thank you’ but it’s really amazing how many people it takes for someone to own a home, like they had no idea who I was, they never met me and they are just some of the kindest, giving people I have ever met, “she said.

However, Tracy said many people have misconceptions about Habitat homes.

“I get from people is that it’s a free home and I’d be doing back flips if it was free. But it’s not free, it’s 500 hours and then I’ll be paying a mortgage like everyone else,” she said.  

Hyunga said Tracy moved into the home early in 2013. He said it’s great to see the project develop over time.

“It’s gratifying to me to see it go from a hole in the ground to a home, a true home, for the family to move into,” he said. “It’s an exciting day for Tracy and her family, they achieved their mortgage, [and] they achieved their dream of home ownership.”

According to Linda Saliken with social services the government of Saskatchewan gave $50,000 to finalize this project through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.

Saliken said this project was unique because it was the first home to be constructed for Habitat through a partnership with Corcan, a special operating agency of Correctional Service Canada.

kbruch@panow.com

On Twitter: @KaylaBruch1