“When bad things happen, good people show up”

“When bad things happen, good people show up and get you back on your feet.”

That’s what Sylvia Starr, 70, said on behalf of herself, her husband Jeff, 67, and their two adult sons on January 13 at the dedication of their new house in Libau, Man.

“It’s hard to believe we made it this far,” she said to the 30 or so Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) volunteers at the dedication. “It’s a nightmare losing a house.”

Wilma Keating, left, presents a quilt to Sylvia and Jeff Starr at the Jan. 13 home dedication in Libau, MB

The journey for the Starrs started in 2022, when the roof of their former house, located about 30 minutes north of Winnipeg, collapsed following a heavy spring snowfall.

With the dwelling condemned, the family found temporary accommodation. They received some help from the provincial government, but not enough to replace their home.

“We had lots of total dead ends,” Sylvia said. “We didn’t know how we could start over.”

MDS’ Manitoba Unit became involved when Partners in Disaster, a group of Manitoba non-profit organizations focusing on meeting unmet and overlooked needs, asked if MDS could help. The Manitoba Unit said “yes.”

Construction started in July; today the family of four has a new house to call their home.

“You didn’t just build us a place to live, you brought our family back to life,” said Sylvia.

Denis Sabourin with Jeff and Sylvia Starr at the Jan. 13 house dedication

Speaking to the Starr family, Ross Penner, Executive Director of MDS Canada, said “it is such a gift to come to this day. It seems almost too good to be true. But it’s not too good to be true. Hundreds of people have made this day possible by volunteering and donating. They wanted to show God’s love to people like you.”

Replied Sylvia: “I wish I could hug everyone who helped.”

John Longhurst, MDS Canada writer