meet Janet and Devin
Janet Anderson is still in shock. “It’s all so unreal. We’re going to be in a house!” When Janet announced to her family that she and her son, Devin had been selected as a Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North (HFHOGN) partner family, her mother cried. A long-time resident of Parry Sound, Janet and her son have lived with family for the past four years, but soon her dream of owning her own home will become a reality.
As a full-time personal support worker and a single mom to 10 year-old Devin, Janet is no stranger to hard work. She balances her responsibilities with donating time at Harvest Share, a local food share program, and knows first-hand the value of volunteering. She’s keen to ensure her community recognizes the guidance and support provided by HFHOGN and Parry Sound chapter members and volunteers who have helped “make this happen for Devin and me.”
While Janet and her son love being out – going on road trips or to the movies, this working mom is also really looking forward to settling in to her new home and making it her own. Hosting family dinners, playing cards, having friends over, and watching Devin “just be a kid” means a lot to her. “To me, home is a place where you can be safe. Be yourself. Relax, and enjoy family and friends.”
What’s next for Janet and Devin? “Maybe a pet in a year or so.” They have lots of time to think about it. After all, this is their forever home.
About Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North
Amalgamated in 2014, Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North is a not-for-profit organization working toward a world where everyone has a safe, suitable, and affordable place to call home. Habitat for Humanity brings communities together to help families build strength, stability, and independence through affordable housing. With the help of government organizations, charitable foundations, local businesses, individual community members, volunteers and other Habitat partners we provide a solid foundation for better, healthier lives in our service area, in Canada, and around the world. Our region serves communities across central and northern Ontario, including North Simcoe County, Muskoka, Parry Sound, Nipissing, Greater Sudbury, and Cochrane. Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada, which was established in 1985. To date, across Canada, Habitat for Humanity has helped thousands of families in need of a hand up. Across the globe, Habitat for Humanity has grown to become a leading global not-for-profit working in more than 70 countries. For more information visit www.habitatgatewaynorth.com.