Emilie's Home Upgrades Story... In Her Own Words

When essential home systems fail, the impact goes far beyond the cost of repairs. A broken furnace, unreliable hot water tank, or doors that won't close can create stress and uncertainty that affects every part of daily life.

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Just before winter, Emilie, a Calgary homeowner, found herself without a working furnace and hot water tank while facing a growing list of home repairs she couldn't afford. She applied to the Home Upgrades Program and the delivery team, recognizing the urgency of the situation, prioritized emergency replacements of her furnace and hot water tank, preventing an already difficult situation from becoming even more serious.

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In her own words, Emilie shares what that experience meant to her below.

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“Being a homeowner on a single income, with no one else living in my home, I quickly realized that after seven years, major household repairs can pile up faster than you can keep up with them. Doors no longer shut or locked properly, my hot water wasn't getting hot, and, to make matters worse, my furnace broke down just as winter was approaching.

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I was terrified. I relied on space heaters just to keep my home warm enough to live in. My dog and I spent our evenings bundled together on the couch under piles of blankets, with the biggest wool socks I could find. The hardest part was knowing I was about to leave for work for a couple of weeks and worrying that my pipes would freeze while I was away.

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After searching online for options, I found the Home Upgrades Program. It was truly a lifesaver and an incredible relief. Their team contacted me almost immediately and stepped in before my situation became even worse. They replaced my furnace and hot water tank as quickly as possible. I am not exaggerating when I say I burst into tears. I was overwhelmed with relief, gratitude, and the feeling that the weight I'd been carrying was finally gone.

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Shortly after the installation, they returned to repair my doors. Living alone, I could only tackle home repairs one YouTube video at a time, and with a full-time job, finding the time and knowledge to complete everything myself was nearly impossible, especially during the winter. Thankfully, the Home Upgrades Program made those repairs without hesitation.

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Today, my doors no longer freeze shut, my floors are warm under my feet, my home is heated by a new high-efficiency furnace, and I can finally enjoy a hot shower again. Those may seem like simple things, but after months of worrying, they mean everything.

The impact of this program reaches far beyond my own home. My neighbour, who is a single mother, has also benefited from the Home Upgrades Program. Knowing this kind of support exists for people in our community is truly incredible. I can only imagine how many other families have experienced the same sense of relief that I did.

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I have since joined my townhome condo board, and I regularly share my experience with the other board members. Because of what this program has done for me, we are now able to help spread awareness and connect others in our community with these valuable resources. It feels wonderful to be able to pay that kindness forward.

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The Home Upgrades Program gave me more than a new furnace and hot water tank. It gave me peace of mind, security, and the feeling that my house was truly my home again.

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I cannot express my gratitude enough to everyone involved. If you're wondering whether you should apply, don't hesitate. It could become the greatest relief you've ever experienced, just as it was for me.”

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~ Emily

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