Nick and Jess were trapped in a housing spiral.
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The repayments on their low-cost western suburbs home were more than they had.
They were going out backwards.
But Nick’s mum is a member of Northwest Church in Tamworth.
She told the couple about a scheme called Habitat for Humanity, which is building low cost homes for families who can’t get started.
They came to Tamworth for an interview, and were approved for Tamworth’s next H4H house.
Habitat for Humanity is a Christian global charity that builds houses around the world for needy people.
To date, they have provided housing for 13 million people. It is building hope and community as people find new self-esteem and start to serve others themselves.
Back in Tamworth, the work is managed by a local chapter chaired by James Ardill, pastor of Liberty Church.
James describes it as faith in action.
This is Christians coming out into the world and offering practical help.
The process usually starts with sourcing the land, buying a housing block and finding an appropriate applicant.
As part of the deal, the new owner will put in 500 hours of labour.
Nick and Jess will eventually pay for the home, but what makes it all achievable is that H4H gives them a no-interest loan.
This means that every repayment goes into the house and doesn’t get gobbled up in interest.
Then came the happy day. Nick was on his way to work when he passed a truck with half a house on the back.
His heart leapt as he spun round, picked up Jess and the two headed out to Coledale just in time to see their new home being delivered.
“I was late to work that day,” reflects Nick.
Austam oversee the construction, but there is still plenty to do.
Last weekend a gang of 30 volunteers from the churches of Tamworth turned out to put in some major finishing touches.
The morning began with a site orientation and outline of safe working procedures.
Then teams got to work everywhere.
There was something for everybody: painting inside and out, putting up fences and mailbox, laying mesh for the driveway and then working the concrete, putting down turf front and back.
Jess and Nick are excited to be living in their own house.
“To walk into your own palace and put your keys and wallet next to the door feels so good”, says Nick.
“We are delighted. Habitat for Humanity have been so good to us. It’s a dream home,” Jess added.