Stella receives keys to her dream home

A SINGLE woman who dreamed of being able to move into a house she could call her own has seen that dream come true.

Stella Kelleher is now moving into her newly renovated one-bed cottage in Dublin 8 thanks to Habitat for Humanity Ireland.

She received the keys to her new home at a dedication ceremony attended by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Brendan Carr.  

Stella is paying a small mortgage on the home and will come off the ever-growing Dublin City Council housing waiting list. 

The house was previously a derelict council property but it was renovated with the support of Habitat for Humanity Ireland’s donors and volunteers, both individual and corporate, which helped to keep the home affordable. 

Before getting the keys to her new home, Stella lived with her parents, brother and two sisters. Stella has been on the Dublin City Council Housing Waiting list for over three years.

She is single and has worked as a beautician for years with the hope of being able to purchase a home of her own.

But with a lack of affordable houses in Dublin, this was just wasn’t an option. Living in her parents’ home was not ideal as the house was cramped, with grandchildren and other family members staying regularly. Not having a home of her own caused Stella a lot of stress and made her fearful of the future. 

“If it wasn’t for the hand-up from Habitat for Humanity, I’d still be living with my parents, hoping that one day I’d be able to afford my own home,” she said.

“When I first got the news that I was definitely going to have a new home, I was so happy I cried. Then, I laughed. I was overcome with emotion. That night, I jumped out of bed and thought it was a dream. I can’t believe I finally have a place to call my own – to call home.

 “Family means a lot to me but I need my own space,” she added. “The best thing about having a home of my own is the independence and freedom. I will be happier and more comfortable here. I get to stay in the community I grew up in, which is really important to me.

 “It is a pity that this home was derelict before the renovation works began. There are so many people in need of a home around the country. But, I think it’s fabulous that volunteers gave their time and money to help turn this derelict house into a home. The fact that so many people helped out makes this house even more homely,” said Stella.

The Lord Mayor said he was honoured to be a part of “this joyous occasion”.

“It is wonderful to meet Stella and to celebrate this new home,” the Lord Mayor said. “This is an inspiring project that will provide Stella with the foundations for a brighter and healthier future. Habitat for Humanity Ireland, Dublin City Council, the volunteers, donors and Stella have done tremendous work together to transform this derelict property into a home that will last generations.

“Collaborative projects like Habitat for Humanity Ireland’s help build community spirit, promote inclusion, and encourage wider community regeneration.

“The model is a practical example of how local authorities, civil society, the private sector and individuals can work to address the urgent, growing housing need in Dublin.”