Toronto families get the keys to new Habitat for Humanity homes

Nine Toronto-area families took possession of new homes built by Habitat for Humanity on Monday, following a ceremony in Toronto's east end.

The new brick homes, on Birchmount Road in Scarborough, were built on land that formerly belonged to the City of Toronto.

Sumaya Yousuf is thrilled with her family's new home especially the kitchen.

"It's definitely going to be easier in the morning times, before school, because before it was very tight," said Yousef.

"It was a hasslejust getting breakfast," she said.

Yousef will live in the house with her six other siblings and her parents. The family will also benefit from their new home's second bathroom, which they didn't have in their old three-bedroom apartment.

How families are chosen

The nine families were selected according to their need for housing, as well as their financial ability to meet "modest" mortgage payments through Habitat for Humanity, said Ene Underwood, CEO of Habitat for Humanity GTA.

The families also put in volunteer time with Habitat for Humanity, helping to build homes and working at Habitat for Humanity stores in lieu of a down payment, said Underwood. The non-profit is building 40 homes every year in the Greater Toronto Area, she added.

"Today is a day of celebration," said Underwood.

"They've had a dream [that] home ownership will give them a stable foundation for their future."