Sohail Mirza says finding housing in Canada was a struggle before applying to live in Habitat for Humanity’s Kemptville Korners development.
Mirza, who will occupy one of the 15 homes once the development is finished, came to Canada in 2019.
“We spent a good amount of our savings on AirBnB, because we had no family and friends, and it was really a nightmare to find a place,” he says. “So, we were struggling from day one, frankly.”
Mirza eventually found work in Mississauga, but later began looking for a new home in Ottawa, when a friend told him to try Habitat for Humanity.
He says the work the organization does reflects Canadians’ empathy for immigrants.
“I think the thing which every new immigrant enjoys is the empathy of the community, the empathy of the citizens of Canada, and the way they’re actually treated,” Mirza says. “It reflects wherever you go, and Habitat is no less than that.”
The development is set to be completed next summer, and staff members say you can still apply to live in one of the homes.
You can call Habitat for Humanity’s Greater Ottawa branch at 613-749-9950 if you want to learn more.