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A family is feeling the generosity from Habitat for Humanity

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A family from El Salvador was forced to flee their country and found protection here in Canada. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity they will soon be living in a new home in Welland.

Jose and Claudia Palma say this is a dream come true. Back in their home country of they were community advocates helping young people steer clear of gangs, but when the gangs threatened them, they were forced to leave behind their friends and relatives and start over.

“When we moved to Canada we had nothing,” said Claudia.

Claudia and Jose have been living in a shelter in Fort Erie with their three young children but in a matter of weeks they will have their new home.

Alastair Davis is the CEO of Habitat for Humanity Niagara, the organization that made this all possible.

“When I talk about security,” he said, “it’s a lifestyle and security that is hard to relate to us that they had been living in at one time but now they will have a safe place to call home.”

The house was built at Niagara College and transported to Martin Street last month. Now it’s all about the finishing touches. On the all female build team at the site on May 18, there were about ten women from Reliance Home Comfort and from Rheem.

Claudia and Jose say Habitat for Humanity is not just an institution, they’re family. On June 10th the Palmas will be given the key to a fresh start and new future in Niagara.