SAULT STE. MARIE -- Habitat for Humanity Sault Ste. Marie is taking on a new challenge for its latest build.

Tracy Poliquin, her mother, Carol-Anne Grisdale and her 6-year-old daughter, Ridley Proulx, have been selected for the home, the first of its kind in the Sault to be barrier-free.

"I'm proud, I'm honoured and I'm also scared to, because this is a big change happening," said Poliquin.

The family currently lives in a mobile home, which Poliquin says is in need of many repairs.

"It's also a bit crowded," she said.

"My daughter doesn't have any room for her toys, let alone her sensory items, while my mother just recently suffered a stroke and has troubles still."

Poliquin's daughter was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when she was two, adding another challenge for her family.

"It's tough, but learning how to take on those challenges is what part of being a parent is about," she said.

Habitat for Humanity says the three-bedroom home will feature barrier-free entrances, wider doorways and a stand-up shower.

"It's certainly something we saw in high demand from a lot of our applicants," said Katie Blunt, Executive director.

"It shows this is a need in the Sault for sure, so I think we'll definitely consider building more accessible homes in the future."

Blunt says the pandemic presents a unique challenge for the build, of which the organization has never experienced.

"We'll have far fewer days of volunteers and will have contractors doing most of the work," she says.

"We're also pushing back our ground breaking date, because of physical distancing challenges."

One volunteer that will be able to help, is Poliquin, who must complete 500 hours of community service to be given the keys.

"I'm ready to help out in any way I can, it's really exciting," she said.

"Just don't ask me to do roofing, I'm terrified of heights!"

With the home being built predominantly by contractors, it is expected to be complete by the end of 2020.