With tears in her eyes, Cindy received life changing keys to her new home from Habitat for Humanity.
The transfer was made official at a ceremony in Pain Court where the house is located. Habitat asked that Cindy's last name not be released and her family members not identified.
Cindy was quite emotional as she explained how her new home will improve her family's life.
"We've been living in an apartment that I would say is sub-par living standards," Cindy said. "Though we made it a home, it was not conducive to a healthy living environment. This gives us a complete, healthy, fresh start."
Cindy first applied for the home in December of 2016 so it has been a long wait for her and her family to get to this point. She said the time has flown by, but thinks it could be a few days before it really hits her.
"It will sink in on Monday when my children and I are praying before bed for the first time in our new home," Cindy said. "It will sink in, but for now it's a little surreal."
Cindy added she had no idea how great the Habitat for Humanity program was until she got involved. She said she plans on joining the Family Services Committee once she's settled and hopes to be involved for the rest of her life.
The executive director of the Chatham-Kent Habitat chapter, Nancy McDowell, said this is her fifth time handing over keys and it never gets old.
"Every year it is a different family, it's a different set of circumstances, it's a different history that they're bringing with them," McDowell said. "Every year the impact is just as great because you can see what it means to this family. We're opening the door to a safe future where they can grow, prosper and do great things."
McDowell added she loves to watch the families progress over the years. She said there is a misconception about how many families actually apply for a house. According to McDowell, the number is much lower than most people would think because of the stipulations to qualify. She said no family that has applied and qualified has been turned down so far.
According to McDowell, the next project has already begun with a family picked and she confirmed the build will be in Chatham.
McDowell said the group is currently looking for land to build on and said the biggest take away from Pain Court was to get started on recruiting skilled workers now. She added the first big fundraiser is right around the corner and people can purchase raffle tickets for $100. There are only 1,000 available and if all are sold the winner will walk away with $20,000.
McDowell wouldn't divulge anything about the new family, but Cindy had some advice for them on how to handle the journey they're about to embark on.
"Breathe through it. Just keep breathing," Cindy said. "All these dreams they do come to fruition. Enjoy it."
