We gravitate and surround ourselves with people of similar interest and life experiences; it is part of human nature. Part of Syracuse Habitat for Humanity’s mission encourages us to break down cultural and political barriers and engage with all in our community. As much as Habitat is providing a service to our community, we are constantly challenging our community to do more, strive for more and work for a better tomorrow. Habitat for Humanity does much more than just build homes.

David Garceau's Home

Taking on the challenge, I decided to start meeting with some Habitat homeowners and learn about their experiences. On paper, David Garceau and I come from very different backgrounds and have radically different life experiences. Digging deeper, I found that we share a lot in common and it was a pleasure meeting David.

David is a remarkable person to know and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to have met with him. We talked for almost two hours. I left humbled, eager and ready to help Habitat further our mission and cause. David’s story echoes the thousands of Habitat homeowners across the world. It was truly a pleasure meeting David, and I wish him all the best.

David became a homeowner 15 years ago, as part of the 5 in ‘95 Blitz Build. Below is the transcript of the interview with David and please be sure to watch the quick video about David. Through your support of your donation of time, materials and money, you are helping us continue our fight against poverty and providing safe, decent and affordable housing for good, hardworking people, like David Garceau.

What were some of the challenges prior to moving into your home?

I was staying in apartments that only had two rooms, I was disabled and I had my daughter and son who wanted their own rooms. The rent was so high for a two bedroom apartment I could not move. A woman in the building told me about Habitat for Humanity. The next morning I put in the application and 6 or 7 months later I was notified I was receiving the home. When they called me I hopped into the car to find the location they were saying I would have my home. I grew up in a home, and knew how great it is to have your own home and take care of it and present it.

Can you tell me a little about your path to homeownership?

I was born in Palmer Massachusetts, Three Rivers area. I moved up here with the railroad in 1985. I just wanted to belong somewhere- I didn’t have any family. When I first came up here it looked like it snowed everyday. But I found that it’s not a lot different anywhere you go – you might say I want move there – but once you get there, it’s about the same. It’s what you make of it. I got away from Massachusetts because I wanted to start over, I didn’t want to be there anymore. I grew up in a foster home and was on my own at 15 years old. Back then foster home weren’t about love, it was about money. I did everything, took care of the house, took care of the yard, when people came by they gave compliments with the yard. It’s the way you’re raised, there was no love but it gave me structure and made me strong. When you come from a family with no love, you never knew people like Habitat existed. I adopted Syracuse Habitat as my family.

How has this transformed your life?

Homeownership makes you feel safe, just having a roof over your head. Back then, living out on the streets was where you would sleep, as long as you have somewhere you feel safe, you feel good. I am very independent, because living on the streets made me independent.

My children had their own room, own yard and could bring friends over – they were proud to see where they lived. Growing up out without an aunt, grandmother, or uncle is tough. But now I started the family. My kids had it tough, they don’t think I understand but I do, I was there. Now it is up to them to keep it going and their children will have a grandfather and grandmother.

What are some of the impacts of homeownership?

Just being able to be here, to work the land and be part of a neighborhood, before you weren’t a part of anything. I am a giver, not a taker. I think it is rewarding, you feel good you help somebody. A lot of people tell me I should be a preacher, I tell you how it is, take the time to tell you the right and wrong, some people don’t want to hear it, but often need too.

How is the neighborhood?

It changes, you need to set examples and it changes, you need to keep the yard nice and people will follow. Some people weren’t brought up in houses and didn’t really know how- so you help them out when you can.

Digital Story of David Garceau