An emotional Habitat home dedication ceremony was held in Brighton on Pinnacle Street South on Feb. 19, 2026. /Sarah Hyatt/MBC
A mom and daughter have a new affordable home in Brighton after a partnership with Habitat for Humanity Northumberland.
“We can’t wait to see the memories that you create here,” Cathy Borowec, Habitat’s CEO, told mom Anna and her daughter Emilia during an emotional dedication ceremony Thursday at 34 Pinnacle St. S., where the keys were also officially handed over the family.
This latest Habitat project means the organization has now partnered with 79 families throughout Northumberland to help with dreams of affordable homeownership since 1998.
“In less than 10 months, our team has completed nine homes – something we have never accomplished in such a short time,” noted Borowec. “That goal pushed us to think creatively and work collaboratively.
“Seeing this home begin a new chapter with Anna and Emilia reminds us that Habitat homes are more than buildings – they are long-term investments in families and in our community.”
An emotional Anna echoed this message Thursday, reflecting on a long but rewarding journey.
This appears as just a house, but “to me this is a home.”
“Thank you so much to everyone because without you, I would not be here today,” Anna told Habitat board members, volunteers, staff, residents, neighbours and dignitaries who gathered in Brighton Thursday to celebrate the renovation of the Pinnacle Street South home.
She also talked about her daughter’s excitement as they prepare to move in over the next month or so.
The family was approved into Habitat’s homeownership program several years ago and patiently waited through the pandemic and for the right opportunity to help create a home that will provide a stable foundation for their future, attendees heard.
Borowec praised Anna for her resilience, unwavering commitment to building a brighter future for Emilia and her sweat equity over the years, saying Habitat is proud to partner with the family.
This specific Habitat home has an interesting backstory.
Back in 2015, this was a “house move project,” with Guinness World Records breaker Rev. Kevin Fast helping Habitat literally pull the home down the road and relocate it to its current foundation and on land donated by the municipality in 2014.
The home was then renovated to help a previous Habitat family.
Last year, Habitat purchased the home back and started renovations again to prepare for a new chapter and help another family.
“And the power of Habitat is that these homes keep on giving,” added Borowec.
Borowec told MBC days like Thursday are what all Habitat partners strive for.
“To our volunteers and partners, this moment belongs to you as well,” continued Borowec.
Brighton Mayor Brian Ostrander was also on hand Thursday to congratulate Habitat and thanked the organization for choosing Brighton as another place to help someone.
Habitat said this home represents stability, security and a space where new memories will be made and marks another milestone in strengthening families and building a more inclusive community in Brighton and across Northumberland.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
