Single mom Michelle thought that home ownership was never in the cards.
The Barrie hair stylist's luck changed when she was approved for a new Habitat for Humanity house on Anne St. South.
A crowd of dignitaries, volunteers, officials from Habitat for Humanity Huronia and families gathered Tuesday morning at the build site for a ground breaking ceremony.
"We are overwhelmed and overjoyed," Michelle told the crowd. "It's nice to have somewhere to call home."
Dustin, Tasha and their three children were also on hand to dig shovels into their soon-to-be home.
"We've been trying to save for a house for so long" said Tasha. "Getting this home is a dream come true for us and our children."
The homes are not free but give struggling families a big hand-up.
Families approved for a Habitat home must contribute 500 hours of sweat equity and receive an interest free mortgage based on income.
Michelle is thrilled to be putting her money into her first home, instead of "throwing it away" on rent.
"This is going to be great, a home of our own and an investment and something we can call our own," she said. "Put some work in it. Decorate. My first thought when they approved me was what colour am I going to paint my living room."
MP Alex Nuttall and Councillor Arif Khan were on hand along with Mayor Jeff Lehman.
"The average price of a detached home in Barrie has risen 20 percent in the past year," said Lehman, applauding Habitat and partner Pratt Homes.
Todd Palmer, Marketing Director Pratt Homes, says the company is honoured to be part of the initiative to help out families.
"Affordability is becoming a challenge and that does make it tough on people and it's good that the building industry, ourselves, the city of Barrie and other parts of government are trying to do their best to bring something back and actually make it more affordable," said Palmer.
Michelle's daughter Autumn, 10, wants to paint her room "probably pink or purple and is looking forward to meeting new friends.
"It's really cool," she said.
Construction is set to begin in July and it's hoped the families will be able to move into their new homes this Spring.
Habitat for Humanity Huronia is still searching for another family for the third townhouse unit.
