Winnipeg family will receive the gift of a new beginning
The Faculty of Health Sciences will join Habitat for Humanity Manitoba and the Tachane Foundation at a key ceremony where one Winnipeg family will be presented their new home. Michelle, a single-mom of three, will be able to move her family into the first home she has owned just in time for the holidays.
“To see everything coming together, it’s so real. I want to thank everyone who has made this possible for me and my family,” said Michelle. “When I became a mother at 15 I didn’t think in 15 years I’d have the opportunity to be a homeowner.”
The exterior of the 864-square-foot bungalow was constructed at the University of Manitoba’s Bannatyne Campus in June. Over 100 volunteers signed-up for the 10-day build, which included staff, students, instructors and faculty members from the Colleges of: Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Rehabilitation Sciences.
What: Habitat for Humanity FHS Build Hope project Key Ceremony
When: Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014, 10 – 11:00 A.M.
The potential impact of this Habitat home for Michelle and her two children is humbling. “As a faculty that is centered on well-being, we know that housing is a social determinant of health and that the impact of inadequate housing can be far-reaching on families and children in particular,” said Dr. Brian Postl, Vice-Provost (Health Sciences) and Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba.
“We laid down the foundation for a safe and healthy home environment and put into action the core principal of social accountability important to all of us in the health care professions,” said the Dean, adding this was the first joint project for all Colleges within the newly integrated Faculty of Health Sciences.
“We live in a wonderful world because Michelle, a Habitat partner family will now have the opportunity to purchase her first home and will experience the pride of homeownership. The partnership between the Faculty of Health Sciences and Habitat for Humanity affords this privilege, and for that we are grateful”, said Sandy Hopkins, CEO Habitat for Humanity Manitoba.