The dream of home ownership is now a reality for two Christchurch families. On Saturday 15th October, a ceremony took place to celebrate the completion of two homes in Hoon Hay, Christchurch, which the families in housing need will one day own.
The ceremonial ribbon was cut by Megan Woods, Minister for Housing, symbolising the official opening of not only a structure, but a new chapter of stability as those selected enter Habitat’s Progressive Home Ownership (PHO) programme, also known as a rent-to-buy programme.
Find out more about Habitat’s PHO programme here.
Minister for Housing, Megan Woods, cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
Lucy is a single Mum of two children and learned about the PHO programme through her child’s school. She wasn’t looking to buy her own home as it seemed like an impossible aspiration at the time. As she stands at the dedication ceremony for her new home, her joy and hope for the future is obvious.
“It’s like a dream come true to move into our own home,” says Lucy. “We are over the moon and can’t believe we will be in our own home for Christmas this year.”
Left to right: Alan Thorp, Habitat for Humanity Group CEO, Stephen Roach, general Manager of Habitat Christchurch, Megan Woods, Minister for Housing, Tracey McLellan, MP for Banks Peninsula.
The PHO programme enables kiwi families to transition into dry, warm, and healthy homes with security of tenure to improve their living environment and overall wellbeing; Christchurch’s two new homes have been expertly designed with this in mind. The ceiling insulation is almost twice as thick as the specified regulations and the walls feature inset windows (rather than being flush with the exterior) with thermal properties that will assist energy efficiency and comfort for years to come.
Many people attended the ceremony to celebrate the completion of the build and witness the dedication of these homes to the future homeowners.
“Having a warm, decent and healthy home to live in is life changing for the families we work with,” says Stephen Roach, General Manager of Habitat for Humanity Christchurch.
With the construction now complete, the local families will begin their own process of building security, stability, and self-reliance within the walls of these newest Habitat homes and beyond.
Alan Thorp, Habitat for Humanity Group CEO, speaking at the dedication ceremony.
One of the two Progressive Home Ownership homes in Hoon Hay, Christchurch.
