Habitat for Humanity GTA program helps families buy homes [Video]

Fifty-five families have become homeowners this year with the help of a program with Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area.

One of them is Sahil Ajani, a mechanical engineer and his wife, Rozina Farista, a physiotherapist, along with their eight-month-old daughter. Three months ago, they moved into a nearly 900-square-foot two-bedroom home in Toronto’s Stockyards neighbourhood.

Despite both being working professionals, they were turned down for a traditional mortgage. Like many across the region, turning the dream of homeownership into reality has been challenging.

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“We could save a little bit, but not too much, because half the money is going in rent and the money we saved for (a) down payment just sat there, but the housing prices went up it would’ve really mattered,” said Ajani.

After years of living in small places around the GTA, worried about cramped conditions and rent taking up half of Ajani’s salary until Rozina …