On April 30th, Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North welcomed Jocelyn and her two daughters, Stella and Riley, into their new home at 477 Hilchey Rd in Campbell River. The key ceremony took place next door at 461 Hilchey Rd — the site of an upcoming Habitat build. The home the family moved into was made available through Habitat’s Buy Back Program, which allows Habitat to repurchase homes from previous partner families and provide them to new ones. With this initiative, Habitat has now constructed 51 homes and served a total of 58 families in the Vancouver Island North region.

The ceremony opened with a special blessing by June Johnson, an Elder from the We Wai Kai First Nation. She welcomed Jocelyn and her daughters with open arms, also sharing her connection to the Whyte family, as she knew Jocelyn from when she was a little girl growing up.

Mayor Kermit Dahl also spoke during the ceremony. “As a mayor and fellow Campbell Riverite, it makes me proud to see community members pulling together to build community for each other.” He continued to wish them success, “Congratulations, Jocelyn. I hope these keys open up many new doors for you and your family.”

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Jocelyn’s Journey: Overcoming Setbacks

At the Key Ceremony, Jocelyn shared part of her five-year journey to homeownership with Habitat. “It hasn’t been an easy journey,” she began. “Like many of you, I lived through the challenges of COVID and the pressures of inflation. There were delays and sacrifices, and there were days when I thought this day would never come. I worked full time, volunteered at Habitat, and tried to be the best mom I could be. I was exhausted, but I never gave up.”

Jocelyn shared words of gratitude to those who have shown her support. “To my mother, your love and strength carried me more than you would ever know. To my friends who showed up with helping hands and encouraging words, thank you for standing by me, and to Habitat for Humanity, thank you for believing in me and for investing in my future.” Read her full story to homeownership with Habitat below.

Symbolic Gifts

Jane Murphy, a member of the Habitat VIN Board, presented Jocelyn with symbolic gifts—bread, a symbol of nourishment and comfort, salt, a reminder that life if full of flavour, a book, a symbol of wisdom, and a toolbox, so that they have the tools for a bright future.

The Bigger Picture: Habitat for Humanity's Impact

This ceremony wasn’t just about one family’s success. It was about the collective effort that Habitat for Humanity represents in the region. To date, Habitat for Humanity has built 34 affordable homes in the Comox Valley and 17 in Campbell River, helping families build strength, stability, and self-reliance. Mayor Dahl noted the City’s support of Habitat in his remarks,

“The city is pleased to support Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North and to work to make homeownership affordable. Habitat for Humanity staff, volunteers, Habitat homeowners, partners, and families are making a real difference in the community. One home at a time.”

Looking Forward

Thank you to every volunteer, donor and community supporter who has had a part in making the dream of homeownership a reality for families like Jocelyn’s. At Habitat for Humanity, our mission is to continue building safe and affordable housing for families in our community. As we look to our upcoming build in Campbell River, we invite you to join our efforts! Every bit counts - from volunteering, shopping or donating goods to the ReStores, to making a financial contribution. Sign up to become a monthly donor, or contact us for more opportunities to support affordable homeownership in our community.

Check out special moments from the Key Ceremony captured by Outer Island Photography below.