Audrey Findlay and her family are counting down the days before they move into their new home.

Findlay, a single mother, her three children and dog Paddix were chosen by Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island’s family selection committee and will move into Unit 4 of Habitat’s Meadow Hill Development on Extension Road in August.

Her current residence on Hecate Street has faulty plumbing, wind whistling down a hallway and mould, according to Habitat for Humanity. Findlay said her current living situation is not great due to drugs, violence and the building issues.

Findlay will pay an interest-free mortgage that is 30 per cent of her income with no down payment and will have to contribute 500 sweat equity, or volunteer hours.

Findlay said she donates all of her time on her days off to the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store and helps on build days when she can attend. She and her family have planted trees on her property, laid sod and built planter boxes.

“It’s a big step for us because we don’t have that. [My kids] are not allowed to play outside … even inside our home, it’s not safe and to have this and this opportunity means everything,” Findlay said. “For them to have friends. To know that they’re safe and they’re happy is everything.”

reporter@nanaimobulletin.com