Cold Lake family celebrates new home with Habitat for Humanity

A Cold Lake family is settled into a new affordable home, thanks to community partners.

Roy and Cheryl Tumulak have lived at their new house on 54th Avenue in Cold Lake since last May, but the opportunity to celebrate with Habitat for Humanity, dignitaries from the City, MLA David Hanson, plus representatives from ATB Financial and Value Master Homes was held Wednesday morning.

They were living in an apartment with their three children before moving into the Habitat home, and describe finding out they had their application was approved as surreal.

“We did gather all the applications. And then when officials from Habitat for Humanity called us and then told us that we are chosen. So it was surreal. We still couldn’t believe it until like the next day, so we are so thankful,” said Cheryl. 

The Government of Alberta Ministry of seniors and housing donated $100,000 for the build, while the City donated the land for the project. The house sits beside another Habitat home, and there are lots beside this property that will become future Habitat builds. 

“We’re so grateful to the community of Cold Lake and all of our partners and sponsors for stepping up and helping families like this. Habitat is really focused on delivering homeownership to families that need it,” said Amber Lachambre, Habitat vice-president of Sustainability & Impact. 

“And this is going to enable them to have affordable payments, provide for their families, give their kids opportunities to participate in different activities, and then if they choose and when they’re ready, they can sell the home back to Habitat.”

Habitat home ownership is open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have a good credit score and an annual household income between $35,000 and $65,000. No cash down payment is required for the home.

These homeowners can then pay afford affordable monthly payments based on 50 per cent of the house’s value to build equity, while gaining access to capped market appreciation with no exposure to market depreciation.

“We thank Habitat for Humanity for their dedication to communities both large and small,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “Habitat for Humanity helps transform the future, not only for the families involved, but also for the communities they call home.”

Habitat for Humanity has been operating in northern Alberta for over 30 years having served nearly 800 families. They held off on this announcement until pandemic restrictions were lifted to fully enjoy the moment. 

“This build is going to serve many families for years to come. And we’re excited at the opportunity of expanding the offering within the community because we know the need is so great for programs like this,” said Lachambre. 

While Cheryl and Roy are happy about their new home, it may be their kids who are the happiest, who now have space they can call their own.

“We’re so excited and so blessed to have this house, that we were the one who got approved…so many people, so many applicants try to get in the house. But we’re just so lucky,” said Roy.