Prince Albert's newest homeowners Noor and Sofia and their children cut the ribbon on their new home in Prince Albert which they bought through Habitat for Humanity. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

New home

From fleeing civil war in Somalia, family finds a home in Prince Albert

Jul 18, 2024 | 3:38 PM

Prince Albert’s newest homeowners took possession of the keys to their new residence on Thursday in what might be one of the longest journeys ever for a Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan family.

Noor and Sofia arrived in Canada from Somalia, distance of 13,000 kms, in 2012 and have now found permanence in their new home on 6th Avenue West.

“We left our home country, which was all civil wall and our family behind all for the safety and the freedom of children,” said Sofia during the ceremony in which she and her family celebrated the official handover of the door keys.

“Our journey was not the easiest, but we have never lost hope. We have worked tirelessly to provide a better life for our children to give them the opportunity we never have. Thank you so much for celebrating us today. We are truly thankful for everyone.”

Work hard, they did.

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Habitat’s new CEO, Dave McEachern said that the family may have set a Habitat record for the fastest completion time of their 500 hours of sweat equity.

“Noor and Sofia’s journey to this point has not been easy,” he said. Not only did they show immense dedication by completing their 500 hours in record time, I’m not sure that you’re in the world records, or not.”

Despite the obstacles that came with changing their lives completely, the family also met the challenge of learning a new language and adapting to a different culture.

“Home ownership is about more than just owning a house, it’s about laying down roots and having a place to call your own,” said McEachern.

The interior of the house is completed with five bedrooms and the family will move in next week. Landscaping still needs to be done.

As is typical with Habitat purchases, the buyer family contributes the down payment through labour on their own home. Some of the costs were contributed by grants, such as $65,000 from the National Housing Strategy via Saskatchewan Housing and $15,000 from the City of Prince Albert.

Local businesses also contribute with donated or reduced cost for labour and supplies.

This time, the project was led by Ironwood Construction, RNS Mechanical, TC Electric and had help from Vetter Drafing and Home Design, Econo Lumber, Prakash Consulting and FloForm Countertops.

The home is 1104 square foot bi-level with five bedrooms, two full baths and a partially finished basement.

susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com