The latest build for Habitat for Humanity now has a family living inside.

Steering Committee Chair Betty Jean Checkley explains how it went.

"We started the launch in mid-June," says Checkley. "By the time we got the paperwork ready, the basement was dug. And they moved in on October 26th. So, it was a little bit ahead of schedule. The due-date to move in was the 31st, but that wasn't a good day for a family with children and all kinds of reasons, because it's Halloween."

She notes it was the eleventh build in Portage, having provided eleven families with homes. Checkley says it provides a long-term impact for the family, noting it's not like a one-day event that comes and goes. She adds it's quite life-changing.

"The impact is that they have a family home," continues Checkley. "For instance, the last family's children were able to have individual sleep-overs from the first time. The quality of the home is much better. The opportunity for the family to change their lives is amazing if they embrace this opportunity."

She says an emotional investment is involved, having provided sweat equity over the duration of the build. Checkley explains they've been part of the project from the moment the first trees had to be removed before the ground was dug. She notes it changes your life to have a place you call home.

Checkley says research shows the children feel more secure knowing they have their own home, even to the extent that it causes them to do better in school. Neighbours also tend to improve their yards when these builds are located in their areas. Checkley says pride exists in homeownership. She notes Build Number Eleven is across the road from the very first build in this city that was made in 2004. Checkley adds those people have almost paid off their mortgage.