Two families moving into Habitat homes in Cold Lake

Two Cold Lake families are getting a leg up into home ownership, thanks to Habitat for Humanity, the province, and the City. 

On Thursday morning, the Home Celebration Ceremony saw two of the new homes built for Iddela Malinao and Maricris Mania thanks to key contributors on 54th Avenue on the city’s southside. 

It was an emotional day. Malinao’s husband and four kids live in a two bedroom apartment, while Mania’s family has been in Cold Lake for 15 years, and will be moving into their first house. 

“We’re very blessed to have the chance to apply for this program,” said Mania to Lakeland Connect. 

“It’s getting harder as a parent to provide for your family, that’s why we dream. Now it’s a reality.” 

Value Master Homes worked to build these houses, with the City providing the lots for free, with provincial and federal funding to make these dreams a reality. 

Habitat’s affordable homeownership program empowers families to exit the rent cycle and own a home. All four Cold Lake homeowners met Habitat’s eligibility requirements, which includes an annual income between $45,000 and $75,000 and a commitment to volunteering 500 hours with Habitat.

The application process is no different than any other mortgage, says Dr. Ann-Marie Reddy from Habitiat. 

Trevor Benoit

MLA Scott Cyr

Mayor Craig Copeland

“What makes this so affordable for the homeowner is that they are based on 50 per cent of whatever the appraised value becomes the mortgage payment. And because the homes are really built into a program, this isn’t a forever home,” said Reddy. 

“This is a hand up approach that allows individuals and families to create equity, create stability, become self reliant, and start creating a future for themselves as well as for their children.

“The sort of secret of the program is the no down payment. And then when you’re buying a brand new home like this. There’s no GST, there’s no mortgage default insurance. That makes it even that much more affordable.”

There are two more homes that will soon be completed and can still be applied for.  

MLA Scott Cyr, Mayor Craig Copeland as well as council, and Trevor Benoit from Value Master Homes were on hand for Thursday’s announcement. 

Applications can be made at hfh.org. 

“It’s such a great feeling. We can’t believe we’re homeowners.”

WATCH: