Family gets affordable Moncton bungalow thanks to Habitat for Humanity

A family of five now has a fixed Moncton address thanks to Habitat for Humanity New Brunswick.

Philip Olatunbosun, his wife, Kenny Olatunbosun, and their three daughters, aged 12, 9 and 7, came to Canada from Nigeria a little over two years ago.

And on Monday, they finally had a place to call home.

"I guess this is the foundation upon which we can and we must build a bright future for our family, and that's what we are going to do," said Philip Olatunbosun, standing in his new front lawn.

"It's a dream come true."

Olatunbosun said when his family made the move from Nigeria, housing seemed to be the biggest challenge, and would often make his wife emotional.

He said he wasn't even aware that Kenny had filled out the application for a Habitat for Humanity home.

"It wasn't until when the decisions were about to be made, that was when she informed me," he said.

WATCH | 'We feel on top of the world'

Family of five gets new, affordable home in Moncton

2 months ago

Duration 0:59

Habitat for Humanity began planning this three-bedroom bungalow after a private donor provided a vacant lot in Moncton.

The couple put in several volunteer hours working at the non profit's store and on the project that ended up being their new home.

"I have to be very sincere,I was expecting something very modest," said Philip.

"We didn't expect this at all," said Kenny.

Perry Kendall, CEO of Habitat for Humanity New Brunswick, said the event is "the highlight of the work we do."

Kendall said this marks the organization's fifth project in New Brunswick for 2024, and the organization aimstobuild 10 affordable houses per year.

"It is so exciting and heartwarming to hear the stories from each of our future homeowner families and the difference that a decent, safe, affordable home makes for them," Kendall said.

Kenny said she had never heard of the organization before. She thought a newcomer family like hers wouldn't stand a chance in the competitive application process.But she decided to "take a step of faith," she said.

Philip said now the family can focus on making plans for their kids' education.

Philip is working his way through exams so that he will be able touse his law degree from Nigeria, while Kenny is currently working as a banker.

Philip said it makes him feel blessed that the couple didn't have tocome up with a down payment to secure the 20-year interest free mortgage.

The fact that their payments, including property taxes, will never exceedmore than 25 per cent of their income has made life easier for his family, he said.

Kenny said her daughters are excited to move into their new house.

"We are not changing school because their school is just close. We are not changing church," she said.

"It's just a perfect fit for us. So we're not changing anything. Life goes on."