The project, Habitat for Humanity’s 11th build in Medicine Hat, is the result of several organizations coming together to help fill the affordable housing gap in the community. Homeowners put in 500 volunteer hours to show their commitment to purchase an affordable home through Habitat’s unique, no downpayment and no-interest mortgage payment model.

“It’s really exciting to see the dream of homeownership become a reality for these families,” said Chett Matchett, ATB’s Managing Director of People & Culture. “This year has presented so many challenges and initiatives like this are more important than ever to help Albertans get through tough times and lift them up.”

In addition to ATB’s contribution toward the project, funding was also provided by the Government of Alberta and the Medicine Hat Realtors Charitable Foundation. The City of Medicine Hat sold the lot at a discounted price and local contractors, DL Excavating and Mulder Builders, are leading the build.

Renee, one of the homeowners, will take possession just in time for summer, once construction and her volunteer hours are complete. She and her three daughters have experienced housing instability in the past few years. “I’m thankful that I will be able to provide a safe home for my family, a place to finally call home. Being a homeowner allows me to invest in a future for myself and my girls,” she said. “It’s exciting to know that we won’t have to move anymore. We can put down roots in our community and make memories together.”

Matthew Beal, ATB Market Manager for Calgary and Southern Alberta and Medicine Hat resident, reflected on how ATB was built to help Albertans over 80 years ago, coming out of the Great Depression. “Just like when we started in 1938, ATB is supporting Albertans as they navigate through challenging times. This project is a great example of the amazing things we can achieve when we work together as a community.”

ATB supports Habitat for Humanity with two builds each year; one in northern Alberta and one in southern Alberta. The Medicine Hat build is a duplex, and is expected to be completed in about 10 months. In previous years, ATB has provided financial support and countless volunteers for builds in Edson, Cochrane, Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge, Wetaskiwin and Airdrie. ATB also supported a project in Medicine Hat in 2012, which was the 10th build in the community.