Mum gets keys to new home after 14 year wait
By Claire Coughlan (Evening Herald)
Friday October 31 2008
From sharing a bedroom in a council flat with her daughter, to owning her own three-bedroom house, in the space of two years, Marie Smith has come a long way.The Ballyfermot native and proud homeowner got the keys to her brand new abode in Croftwood Drive in Ballyfermot yesterday.
The home was completed with help from Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit housing charity, and the majority of the work was carried out with funds donated by Vodafone and by work done by volunteers from both Vodafone and elsewhere.
Marie’s one-bedroom council flat in Bluebell, which she shared for 14 years with her now 18-year-old daughter, Aisling, was so cramped that there was no room for a kitchen table and all meals were eaten on the couch. Marie and Aisling also had to share a bedroom.
“I’m really happy now — if you’d seen where I lived — my daughter slept with me in the one bedroom,” said Marie. “She needed her space and the effect now with her is huge. I was on the waiting list for 14 years, so my big chance to move was with Habitat, and I grabbed it.”
From seeing the signs for Habitat for Humanity, it was only another two years before Marie realised the dream of owning her own house.
Habitat for Humanity, whose goal is to “eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action” made that possible. The charity was founded in the US in 1976 and Habitat for Humanity Ireland was founded in 2002. The organisation has built five houses in Ballymun, completed eight refurbishments and is about to start work on a 16-house build in the Elmdale area of Ballyfermot.
“Our next big project is in Elmdale Crescent, just around the corner from Croftwood Drive in Ballyfermot and Dublin City Council has donated the land.”
“We work in partnership with them and we’re hoping to build 16 houses, with three bedrooms, a front and back garden and a car parking space, which is ideal for a small family,” said Elaine Dobbyn, the charity’s communications officer.
Those interested in volunteering or seeking help from the charity in owning their own home, who have a low income and are on a housing waiting list should contact call 01 6299611 or visit .
With thanks to the Evening Herald.
Posted by Elaine Dobbyn on 3 Nov 08
John Ryan
3 Nov 08
Great to hear of such a successful project in Dublin!