As part of Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations, Habitat for Humanity has committed to building 150 homes across Canada as part of this annual project. Former U.S President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, and thousands of other volunteers from around the world were in Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan helping to build 75 of those homes.

Habitat for Humanity works to eliminate barriers to a better, healthier, more financially stable life through home ownership. Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better future for themselves and their families. Habitat homeowners receive a “hand up” in achieving home ownership by paying a mortgage that is geared to their income allowing them to provide a stable home environment with sufficient funds for food, education and the other necessities of life. Down payments are paid through 500 hours of sweat equity.

Louise, her husband and daughter are active with Habitat in the Edmonton region and in a dozen countries throughout the world helping provide that all important “hand up” to Habitat homeowners.