David and Yazmin’s Story

David and Yazmin were starting to wonder if they would ever be able to afford a home suitable for their growing family. “It just felt like we were never able to catch a break,” shared David. The family has moved from rental to rental in the last few years. Each time they thought they could settle, yet another issue emerged that meant they had to pack up and relocate once again. “It’s been hard on all of us. Our first place had mould and other maintenance problems. The second, our Landlord decided to sell; he offered it to us, but we just could not afford it,” explains Yazmin. “The two bedroom place we are in now is in much better condition, but it’s too small for us and the rent for it is straining our budget.”
 
Although David and Yazmin have been trying for years to save up a down payment, it has been challenging. With this latest move, now there is more money going out each month than coming in, forcing them to rely on some of those savings just to make ends meet. “We just could not see a way to get out of this cycle, however hard we tried. If we were to continue like this, our bank account would be empty.” recalled David. “When Yazmin saw the advertising for Habitat’s family information session, she wondered if this could be an opportunity for us. We decided we should go to learn more and were very excited to discover that we met the program’s criteria.”
 
Being accepted into Habitat for Humanity Victoria’s homeownership program has made such a difference for the family. “For the first time in a long time we can actually look to the future without feeling terrified. Owning our home and having monthly payments we can actually afford means we can start planning for our future instead of just living to day to day with our head in the sand,” said David.
 
The family loves living in the small, friendly community of Sidney. They enjoy the outdoors, going on adventure walks, playing on the beach and riding bikes and scooters. David has been working in the field of lab instrumentation locally for the last 17 years and recently moved into computer programming with the same company. Yazmin, who came to Victoria from Mexico 13 years ago to be with David, is qualified as a psychologist specialising in early childhood learning and development. “It’s hard when you move countries and your qualifications are not recognized. When I arrived here I had to adapt, I still wanted to use my skills and work with children, so I became an early childhood educator running a pre-school,” shared Yazmin.
 
Moving into a Habitat home in North Saanich means their daughter can stay in her current school. “I moved around a fair amount as a child and I know how hard it can be,” said David. “We want our kids to feel stable and make friends. They are looking forward to being able to open their own front door and go play with children their own age.”
 
Their daughter cannot wait to decorate her own room, and after that she would like a cat. “She already has a name picked out; it’s going to be Rocket Cat!” laughed Yazmin. Both children are also creating crafts and projects to go on display in their new home. “Like most parents, we will have our own mini art gallery made from the contents of our recycling box,” smiled David.
 
David and Yazmin are now working on their volunteer hours while their home is under construction in North Saanich. As a final word, David adds, “I would just like to say everyone we have met through Habitat has been a delight. In the ReStore, at the build site, staff, Habitat families and other volunteers have all been so welcoming and nice.”