From left to right at the groundbreaking of the Habitat for Humanity home in Cornwall: Judi Auger, broker, Exit Realty Seaway; Meagan McIntosh, holding a picture of her brother Matthew McIntosh; Karen McIntosh; and Dick Aubry, chair, Habitat Seaway Valley.

Since August, real estate agents from Exit Realty offices across Ontario and volunteers from the community at large have come together to help build a new home for Cornwall single mom Karen McIntosh and her children, Meagan, 15 and Matthew, 12.  

McIntosh works for the Upper Canada School Board as a settlement outreach worker, helping new immigrants settle into Canada. Matthew suffers from global delay and autism and resides in a group home in Ottawa from Monday to Friday.  Currently there is no facility in Cornwall that can meet his needs. The new home includes a fenced yard to provide a safe and protected environment for Matthew.