Recipient families and Habitat for Humanity representatives at the Brooks build site on April 21, 2022. (Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Chris Brown

‘We start the build of the big dreams’: ground broken on Habitat for Humanity homes in Brooks

Apr 21, 2022 | 4:53 PM

BROOKS, AB – Douglas Rincan can’t keep the smile off of his face.

This day has been a long time coming for him and his family.

Douglas is standing at 1520 Second Ave. E in Brooks. By the fall it will be the site of a duplex, half of which will be his family’s new home.

“We start the build of the big dreams. I think all families dream one day to have their own house and we have the opportunity for my family and for me,” he says.

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The Rincans are one of two families in the city of 100 hellos who are one step closer to homeownership thanks to Habitat for Humanity.

Douglas came to Brooks from El Salvador in 2014. His wife Maribel and their two kids ages seven and 11, joined him four years ago.

They’ve been renting an apartment in Brooks, but Douglas wants more than it can offer.

“Our own house permits us to have the backyard and other things and my kids can play be more comfortable,” he says.

Mirabel adds, “I feel excited for this moment because I see my whole dream closer.”

An artist rendering of the completed duplex. (Image Courtesy Habitat for Humanity)

Habitat for Humanity offers families the chance to buy their home with an affordable mortgage customized to their income with no down payment and no interest.

Ahmed Ahmed’s family of eight will move into the other side of the duplex. He’s lived in Brooks for almost 10 years and has been turned down for loans many times due to his income.

“Today I’m excited because this company they give the opportunity,” he says. “Very, very exciting.”

Gerrad Oishi, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta, says the province’s current cost of living makes it difficult for families to achieve stable housing. Habitat sets mortgage payments at 30 per cent of income

“Because we know that will make it affordable so on a month-to-month basis what that does is it makes sure the family has enough money to cover their costs and that they can thrive,” Oishi explains.

Communities thrive when the families living there thrive, he says.

“They feel that they belong, they have a sense of ownership in the community and as a result of the family thriving the kids do better at school the mom and dad do better at work. The whole community is better when a family is stable.”

Oishi adds that long-term the families are building equity, opening up more choices and options in the future.

The land near the Brooks Regional Ball Park was donated by the city. Each family will contribute 500 volunteer hours to the build.

Additional support came from several sponsors and community partners, including the JBS Foods Canada, the provincial government, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 100 Women Who Care Brooks, and Scotiabank Brooks Branch, as well as many local donors.

Vinicius Capistrano, JBS Foods; John Petrie, Mayor of Brooks; Gerrad Oishi, President & CEO, Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta. (Photo Courtesy Habitat for Humanity)