‘A Wonderful Life’ start for Bridgeport family

BRIDGEPORT – It was just like a scene out of the holiday movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Saturday as a single mother and her son from Norwalk entered their new residence for the first time.

For Marie Gaines and her son, Xavier, they were the family that finally took an important step toward homeownership thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County and its volunteers. And just like the family in the classic movie, the community led by Habitat for Humanity blessed the Kossuth Street home.

Instead of bread, salt and wine that the fictional Bailey Park family received, the Gaines family was given a quilt, bookcase, board games and toolbox. And instead of George Bailey and Mary Hatch, the donors were Joanne Fabry of the Conneticut Piecemakers Quilt Guild; Amani Colson, of Youth United; and Matt Slattery, director of construction for Habitat who led the work on the home.

But the biggest present for the Gaines was the reaction by Xavier when he learned for the first time that the home dedication ceremony he was attending for his new home.

“This was an unexpected blessing and I couldn’t be more grateful,” said Marie Gaines. “I appreciate the equity hours which helped me learn how to take care of the house. I learned things I never thought I would know how to do so I could take care of my own house.”

As for Xavier? He gave a “thumbs up” when asked what he thought about the Kossuth Street home.

Marie Gaines was grateful to all the Habitat volunteers who helped rebuild and renovate her home, which was the site of a Habitat Youth United home. “I want to also thank my sister – her name is Dara – for introducing me to Habitat and pushing me through this process,” she said.

Her biggest thanks went to her son as he was the reason for using her sweat equity to help build their new home.

“And mommy loves you,” she added.

Prior to the ceremony Marie Gaines shared her story behind her inspiration to apply for and receive a Habitat home as she put in volunteer hours with Habitat for Humanity.

“I never thought I would be able to afford my own home, especially in Connecticut,” she said. “This will change my life in more ways than I can imagine. Most importantly, it give stability. I won’t have to worry about rent increases or whether I can renew my lease next year. It gives me peace of mind.”

She needed to find a new place to live for her family when her landlord passed away and the property was sold. It left Marie and Xavier with little time to find affordable housing in the midst of a housing crisis. In the meantime, they lived with her parents in a small apartment in Norwalk.

George Keith, Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County Board chair, gave effusive praise for all who helped build the home.

“This is what we do at Habitat. We build homes for fantastic families that are looking for homeownership,” Keith said. “I thought I had enough motivation and inspiration to do this job.

“But I got a new source of inspiration about 20 minutes ago because I found out the owner of this home, Marie Gaines, did not inform her son, Xavier, that this is going to be his future home. I got to see him walk up and see his photo on the (banner outside the home) for him to see his future home.”

The 992-square-foot Kossuth Street home with two bedrooms is valued at $297,378, according to Redfin.

Mayor Joe Ganim, who was at the dedication, pointed to the Gaines’ story as an example of how the affordable housing crisis can be solved one house at a time.

“We have a housing crisis, an affordable housing crisis, in Bridgeport, in Connecticut and the country,” Ganim said. “Carolyn (Vermont) is teasing me about travels, it’s worth it. Last week I was with mayors, the Conference of Mayors (in Washington, D.C.). Their number one issue is about good living, but also homeownership.

“I want Carolyn to help lead our endeavor to create 6,000 new houses in Connecticut by 2030. That’s 1,000 a year. That’s a lot. We have a lot of good things in the pipeline due to Habitat.”

Although she didn’t get a chance to work on her home, she was very active in helping out with other Habitat homes.

“Working with volunteers has been unique,” she said. “Every person has their own reasons for helping, and it’s so heartwarming. Although I didn’t get the chance to work on my own home, I love paying it forward by helping others.”