‘I feel rich’: Manitoba families moving into new Habitat for Humanity homes
Posted July 7, 2026 5:22 pm.
Last Updated July 8, 2026 11:24 am.
For four Manitoba families, newly built homes are the beginning of a new chapter after working toward the goal of homeownership.
It’s also the latest milestone for Habitat for Humanity, as it continues expanding affordable housing opportunities across Winnipeg.
“I heard earlier that this is low-income housing, but coming from the North End in Winnipeg, I feel rich,” said new homeowner Billamena Payash.
Becoming a homeowner is a dream years in the making for Payash. She’s one of four families who received keys Tuesday to a Habitat for Humanity home after moving to Winnipeg from her Treaty 3 community in 2016, hoping to give her six children access to clean running water and better opportunities.
“The process was something… after being a stay-at-home mom and trying to get into the job market, I applied for over 200 jobs in Winnipeg and couldn’t get hired for like six months. I tried really hard,” Payash said.
And finding steady work was only part of the journey. Payash says qualifying for Habitat’s homeownership program meant improving in every aspect of her life.
“It was hard to get into, but it helped me better myself, my finances. I had to be better mentally, even,” she said.
That determination isn’t lost on her children, who watched their mom balance work and volunteering all while raising six kids.
“I’m really proud of her that she has did so many hours and she still takes care of us,” said Payash’s son Adam “AJ” Taylor.
“I’m super proud of her,” said Payash’s other son, Trey Taylor. “And I’m happy for her that she gets to have a new house with us. And yeah, I feel happy and proud of her.”
Habitat Manitoba says more than 500 families have become homeowners through the program, and this year alone, at least 31 more families are expected to receive homes across the province.
“Three-hundred families making their mortgage payments every month are letting us make the next home for their neighbours and community,” said Jamie Hall, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Manitoba. “And so we will keep building.
“Our need right now is for land. We have the funding for homes, but need to land to build them on.”
