Undeterred by the cold wind and relentless rain, a spirited crowd of 45 friends and family members gathered on Friday, November 22, to mark a milestone moment for two families. Just in time for the holidays, Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North proudly handed over ceremonial keys to their new homes, bringing warmth and hope to the season. See the full photo album here.

The event turned emotional when Julia Schmidt, one of the new homeowners, took the stage. Fighting back tears, she shared how this life-changing opportunity had seemed like an impossible dream. She told the gathered crowd how she didn’t think home ownership would ever be within reach, her gratitude shining through as she thanked Habitat’s dedicated staff, volunteers, and donors. Her heartfelt words moved the audience, underscoring the profound impact of Habitat’s mission.

The key ceremony was held at 1330 Lake Trail Road in Courtenay and marks 57 families served on Vancouver Island North! The homes were previously owned by Habitat for Humanity homeowners and are part of the Habitat buyback program.

“Families who received support from Habitat are now ready to move on, better equipped to achieve new housing goals,” stated Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Jeff West. These Habitat homes have opened new doors for incoming families to start their journeys. “This cycle of empowerment strengthens our community, showing how each family’s success can support others in need.”

The key ceremony brought together local community representatives, supporters, volunteers, and donors. Brennan Day, MLA for Courtenay-Comox, shared a few heartfelt words to welcome the families home and emphasized the importance of access to affordable housing in our community. Will Cole-Hamilton, Courtenay's acting mayor, also spoke on the struggles families face in the market today and congratulated the two new Habitat families on their new homes.

Experiencing the community come together in such a way is very special to Habitat. It symbolizes the dedication to the cause of affordable housing and community development that Habitat for Humanity has helped create for 20 years on Vancouver Island North.

In a full circle moment, Keith Kent, a Habitat Volunteer who has been volunteering since the first built in 2004, spoke at the ceremony and presented the two families with symbolic gifts. Bread—a symbol of nourishment and comfort so that their homes may never know hunger. Salt—a reminder that life is meant to be full of flavour. Book— a symbol of Wisdom. May the families always have learning, growth, and insight to guide them in all aspects of life, both within these walls and beyond. Toolbox— so that they may always remember they have been given the tools to be successful in homeownership.

Thank you to Midland Tools in Courtenay for donating the toolboxes and continuing to support our mission of affordable housing.

Thank you to all who attended and all those who continue to support us! Habitat Vancouver Island North is currently celebrating its 20th year on Vancouver Island and is focused on fundraising efforts for the construction of another multi-unit project in the Campbell River area.