Habitat for Humanity Windsor

A Habitat for Humanity Success Story — The Lalonde Family

While Taylor, a lively 13-year-old, settles in with a book, her mother, Nicole Lalonde, speaks joyfully to a visitor about the two most important turning points in her life.

Habitat Windsor-Essex 2004 groundbreaking

The first crossroads, beams this single 38-year-old mother of three, was the day she found out that she had been selected to become the owner of a new home built by Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex. With dozens of sponsors including Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Lalondes' home is one of eight new homes that hundreds of Habitat for Humanity volunteers and sponsors will build in Windsor during 2004.

Beth Bailey, CMHC volunteer, building walls.

"I'm giddy when I think about it," Nicole says, thrilled to bid farewell to her rundown house.

"We all just whooped and screamed and hollered when we found out," adds Nicole's oldest daughter, 18-year-old Shawntelle.

Buying her own home all started with a second defining moment. "I had been dealing with difficult challenges in my life, and we had no money," recalls Nicole. "Then one night three years ago, I was sitting on the floor in our shabby living room, between Taylor and Jared, my youngest child — he was six then. Shawntelle was recovering from another day of having to look after her little brother and sister. Suddenly it hit me — what am I doing to these kids?"

The very next day, Nicole sought help for her problems, and made a commitment to permanent change. Now she spends her time taking care of her children, working as a school bus driver, and trying to make a better life for all of them.

Habitat for Humanity Windsor closeup of build site.

"I had to move my kids from one shabby place to another for their whole lives," says Nicole. "Now we can't wait to settle down into our own home. This will be the last time we move. And the best part of it — it's all ours!"

Volunteer hammering outside walls.

Her new home is financially feasible because of the generous mortgage terms provided by Habitat for Humanity. "Instead of paying rent of $800-plus per month, I'll have mortgage and tax payments of less than $500 per month. That makes a huge difference on my $1,400 monthly income," says Nicole thankfully. "This Christmas will be our first in years where I'll be able to afford to buy my children gifts instead of relying on the kindness of others. It will be the best holiday ever."

"Once I've donated my time to help build my home, I will get involved in other builds for other people. There is nothing more rewarding than watching people cut the bow and walk into their own house."

How You Can Help

There are lots of ways to support Habitat for Humanity. Gifts from the heart are always welcome. A donation of $25 buys a 50-pound box of nails; $50 buys an interior door. A generous donation of $100 allows for a bedroom window and $250 covers the cost of front and back doors with locks.

To volunteer, contact Habitat for Humanity Windsor at www.habitatwindsor.org or call 519 969-3762