A new family is moving into a Habitat for Humanity home in Bracebridge.
A dedication ceremony was held for the Takczyk family who will be moving into 63 Wellington Street at the beginning of November.
Members of the board for Habitat, local and federal politicians and family were on hand to help the Takczyks start their new life in the home.
They will be the second family to live in the home after the previous residents moved out and returned the home to Habitat for Humanity.
For Matt Takczyk, an apprentice carpenter, successfully applying for the house is going to make a huge difference in their lives. With a special needs child and a requirement for regular hospital access, living in Bracebridge will be a huge bonus. Currently, they live in Baysville.
“We’ve been working so hard to squirrel away every little bit of money,” says Takczyk. “Housing prices are ridiculous. Just being in town, closer to work, being near my family and having the hospital nearby for my daughter. . . is just massive for us.”
Applicant families go through a rigorous screening process, taking into account family situation, work history, credit history and the ability to contribute volunteer hours either building their own home or helping with nearby projects.
CEO for Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North, Kimberly Woodcock says it is always a special time when families get to move into their new home.
“This what we are here for,” she says. “This is the mission exactly as presented today.
“Our goal every year is to offer more homes to more families. We get stronger each year we are in business and I see us really taking off in terms of making a larger impact.”
Takczyk says his kids are very excited.
“My son Zeke is all over the place, can’t even keep track of him,” he says. “My daughter is going to love it.”
MP for Parry Sound-Muskoka, Tony Clement heaped praise on Habitat for the work it does.
“I see all the amazing work that you do here from end to end,” Clement said. “I just want to commend all the volunteers and the people. Any project like this is going to have hundreds of volunteer hours.
“You come at it from the point of view of humanity and or faith and I just think all of that should be commended.”