Catholic teachers in Ottawa have contributed $50,000 to the construction of the latest Habitat for Humanity build at 94 Melrose Avenue.
And hundreds of volunteers helped, over eight days, to make the house a reality for Julio and Carmen Ortega and their three children.
The $50,000 contribution was the result of two years of fund-raising by the Ottawa-Carleton unit of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) and Habitat for Humanity National Capital Region (HFH-NCR).
The build took place the week of July 19. On July 28, the Ortegas received the keys to their new home, to be named Catholic Teachers in Action (CTIA).
Julio and Carmen and their children, Sebastian, 15, Alfredo, 9, and Veronika, 8, emigrated from Peru seven years ago and became Canadian citizens in 1996. Julio is a contract painter, while Carmen does cleaning work.
Notes Julio: “Last year our landlord chose to make our townhouse into condominiums. We thought we would try to buy a house, but were unable to get a mortgage. While we were trying to find a place to live, we were given an application for a Habitat house. I still can’t believe we have been chosen. God has answered our prayers. This is a miracle.”
HFH-NRC is a faith-rooted registered charity affiliated with the international organization of that name, made famous by former US president Jimmy Carter. Habitat home families are chosen on the basis of the need for adequate shelter, the ability to pay back an interest free mortgage and willingness to provide sweat equity.
Ottawa Habitat sponsorship officer Tia Loftsgard points out that next year’s build is a really big one involving 10 homes and the participation of former governor-general Ed Schreyer, Canadian Habitat patron.
