Alberta shooting victim Shayna Conway is still recovering in hospital in Alberta. (Family photo)

The family of the lone survivor of a murder-suicide in Alberta in December is getting a new home on P.E.I. from Habitat for Humanity.

Shayna Conway's mother, Sheri Wade, had applied to Habitat for Humanity on P.E.I. for the home before the December tragedy that killed four young people. Habitat for Humanity executive director Susan Zambonin said the board that made the final decision didn't know the name of the applicants.

"I was excited for them. They've been through a pretty tough time," said Zambonin.

"Even that aside, they were a family that needed a break."

The Habitat for Humanity program is for low-income families who would probably have trouble getting a regular mortgage. Under the program, Wade will pay an interest-free mortgage to the organization. Her family and friends will also have to put in 500 volunteer hours.

Conway keen to help

Conway is still in Alberta recovering from three gunshot wounds, in the abdomen, thigh and shoulder. Zambonin said the house will be designed to accommodate any of her special needs.

Habitat for Humanity executive director Susan Zambonin says the house will be designed to accommodate Shayna Conway's special needs. (Julia Cook/CBC)

"They may need to have to have a shower that has a drive-in shower. The cabinets might need to be lower," she said.

An occupational therapist will talk with Conway and her family about her accessibility needs. The therapist will then consult with the person making the building plan.

Wade said Conway is anxious to help when she returns to P.E.I.

"It gives her something to look forward to doing. That she wants to have building pizza parties," she said.

"It's also something for all of us to look forward to. Something positive instead of all the negative we've had."

Construction on the ranch-style home in Stratford, just east of Charlottetown, will begin in August and take about three weeks to complete.

Conway's father, Scott Conway, plans to travel from Ottawa to help. The family expects to put in about 200 hours work on the build, with friends pitching in the other 300.