Habitat for Humanity Neepawa Selects First Partner Family, Prepares for Summer Build

The Neepawa Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, which officially launched just last year, has reached a major milestone—selecting its very first partner family. This marks an exciting step forward for the local organization, which has been working hard to bring affordable housing solutions to the community.

Amanda Naughton-Gale, Chair of the Family Selection Committee, explained that the process of choosing a partner family was thorough and designed to ensure long-term success for the recipients. Applicants were evaluated on several key factors, including employment stability, family size, and financial readiness. In addition to these criteria, all candidates received support through credit counselling services and participated in a mandatory homeowner’s education course.

“The goal,” said Naughton-Gale, “is to set our partner families up for success. Habitat homes aren’t free—they come with a financial obligation. But with the right support and tools, we help families gain a strong footing as new homeowners.”

The family selected is Ritchel Quezon, a single mother raising a 13-year-old daughter in Neepawa. She also has a son who still lives in the Philippines. From a pool of many deserving applicants, Quezon stood out as a family with both the need and the readiness to take on the responsibility of homeownership.

The home being constructed for the Quezon family will be a modest but thoughtfully designed two-bedroom house, based on a model Habitat has used successfully in other communities. The design includes a full basement, which could eventually be finished to add two more bedrooms if needed, making the house adaptable for a growing family.

The announcement was made during a public meeting hosted by the Neepawa Chapter, which also served as a renewed call for volunteers. As fundraising efforts continue, the group emphasized the need for hands-on support in the months ahead. With the lot already secured, construction is expected to begin this June, just in time for the summer build season.

“This is really a community project,” said Naughton-Gale. “We need builders, fundraisers, and people willing to donate their time or skills. Every contribution brings us one step closer to handing over the keys to a new home.”

Also on Today’s Show:

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), in partnership with the Municipality of North Cypress-Langford, has launched a significant conservation initiative. Together, they have committed to protecting 22 parcels of ecologically valuable land within the constituency.

A public information session was held in Wellwood earlier this week to introduce the partnership to local residents and answer questions about the long-term goals of the project. The collaboration is aimed at preserving the region’s natural habitats, supporting biodiversity, and promoting sustainable land management practices across the area.

• 0:00 – Intro

• 3:46 – Habitat for Humanity Neepawa Update

• 15:00 – NCC and North Cypress-Langford Land Conservation Partnership

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