meet Aimee, Morgan, and Holly
Stability. Security. Legacy. If you ask Aimee Cooper what owning her own home means to her, that’s what she’ll tell you. Aimee is the proud mom of three. Kacie, 22, is newly married and lives away while attending college. The sanctuary of home is what Aimee looks forward to most for her two younger children, who have distinctly different, but equally important needs. Morgan, 13, is energetic, creative, smart, funny and is high-functioning Autistic. Holly, a spunky, fun-loving, social 11 year-old attends the Gifted program at her school. To Aimee, the opportunity to live in a family-friendly neighbourhood with access to critical services for her children is a game-changer. "We have everything we need here. Orillia is a city with a little-town feeling. Where else could we live where we have access to services and at the same time the Trans-Canada Trail practically runs through the back yard?”
Aimee has wanted a home for her family as long as she can remember. Her first application to Habitat for Humanity’s home ownership program in 2000 wasn’t successful. "It just wasn’t financially feasible for us at the time. But nothing in life is ever easy. I’ve slept on the couch in the living room for five years. If you want something badly enough and are willing to work through the setbacks, it can change everything.” Aimee’s can-do attitude led her to apply again – this time in Orillia – and she says it’s the best thing she’s ever done. "There’s room for all of us in this house. And a garden. And a yard for the dog. This is the place I want to stay. I don’t ever want to move again.”
Aimee has always enjoyed physical work. Herself one of 11 siblings, Aimee has helped her Dad build a house and three family cottages. But being selected as a partner family with Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North and contributing to completion of this build has changed Aimee’s life in ways she couldn’t have imagined. After almost doubling her 500 service hour commitment on her own home, Aimee has found a new love. She has enrolled in the Carpentry and Renovation Techniques program at Georgian College. Aimee Cooper will soon be directing her talents to building. The residual benefit? Other families can enjoy the kind of stability, security and the legacy that home ownership can bring.
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.