Habitat for Humanity Yorkton has revealed the family chosen to receive its second home built in the city.
The Pelletier family -Malcolm Pelletier, Joyce Nesbitt, and their children Darnell, Keisha, Cole, Shay-Lynn, and Makayla - were introduced by Habitat board members at a supper at Holy Trinity Parish Hall on Monday.
"It just means everything to us," said Nesbitt. "This is something nobody can take away from us. Nobody can tell us that we're not going to be able to live here no more."
Habitat for Humanity Yorkton completed its first build last September, and has been considering applicants for its second home ever since.
A family chosen for a Habitat home must demonstrate both significant need and strong character. Applicants must be comfortable handing over the most personal details of their finances, background, and current living situation to the Family Selection Committee.
"Basically, their life is an open book," said Donna Evans, chair of the committee.
The Pelletiers had applied for last year's build as well, noted Evans. The committee was happy to be able to choose them this year.
Nesbitt described the cramped conditions of her family's current rental home.
"Our kitchen - we don't eat together because it's not big enough for a table. We have no cupboard space to keep anything. It's just too small."
The family of seven currently shares a single bathroom.
Plans are still being finalized for the new house, which will be built at the corner of Dunlop Street and Betts Avenue. Evans said that it will likely be at least a four-bedroom, bath-and-a-half model.
To earn their home, the family must put in a "down payment" in the form of 500 hours of volunteer work. They will then pay off a 25-year interest-free mortgage provided by Habitat for Humanity.
Construction is expected to begin by early September.
"We're really excited to get things started," said Nesbitt.
