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Some families just keep trying

I wanted to comment on the letter making the good people of St. Albert look like pompous snobs over a project where it seems Habitat for Humanity and its recipients are being used as a scapegoat.

I wanted to comment on the letter making the good people of St. Albert look like pompous snobs over a project where it seems Habitat for Humanity and its recipients are being used as a scapegoat. The comments received were a strong voice to prove not everybody came from money, and it’s what is inside that means more.

I wish the paper would take time to write something from our side of the fence. I'm one of those seeking the help of Habitat for Humanity and was greatly appalled by the published letter and greatly hurt by its comments. Try picturing my life. I am a single middle-aged parent trying to give my two young boys a good life, not like what I grew up with. I have imagined a life in St. Albert since the late 1980s but I have faced many of life’s hardships, but keep pushing forward. I currently live in Edmonton low income housing and am constantly facing the homeless, drug dealers, bedbug infestations and more, including patrolling the local playground for needles to keep my kids and others safe.

Meanwhile I drive one of your transit buses and support local fundraisers when able, like our "Fill-A-Bus" campaign. I have even been told by some in charge that I should be on the receiving end of it, but feel there are those worse off than us and we manage, but take pride in doing this with my kids for the last few years.

I wish a chance for my kids to have the opportunity that many of the residents have here as they didn't ask for this life and my stupidity and wrong choices in life growing up is causing this branding of them. I keep trying, and like many buying a lottery ticket in the hopes of winning, to create just enough to give them that chance — a home, true friends and a mind full of happiness and success, instead of fear and disappointment. Is that wrong for a person to want or pray for?

Jeff Lucas, Edmonton

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