As Mi unlocked the door to her family’s first home in the Bluestem Prairie development, five of her six children sprinted inside – each rushing to discover their new bed for the first time.

The milestone marked more than just a move: it began a new chapter, made possible through Mi’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Omaha and the support of the nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Mi and her children, ages 12, 11, 9, 7, 4, and 1, previously lived in a three-bedroom apartment when a fire destroyed most of their belongings. Fortunately, she had already started the Home Journey program at Habitat Omaha, setting the foundation for a fresh start.

“When life challenges you, that means something big is coming through your life,” said Mi, who was born in Burma and grew up in Thailand. “It’s up to you to not give up until that door is opened. You have to push yourself enough to open it.”

Two of Mi’s children try out their new beds.

One of the many challenges was furnishing the home for her family. That’s when Sleep in Heavenly Peace stepped in. The nonprofit – which donated more than 1,000 children’s beds in 2024 — heard about Mi’s situation and provided two bunk beds and a single bed for the children.

“There’s nothing that melts your heart more than seeing the kids with their beds,” said Alan Lindahl, who volunteers with the organization.

Mi was grateful for the gift. “The children love it. It’s excellent,” she said.

Mi’s daughter tries out her bed.

Mi learned about Habitat Omaha after researching how she could provide a house for her family. The local Housing and Urban Development office referred her to the organization. She committed herself to the Home Journey program—not just to gain knowledge but to build a better life.

Living in an apartment had its limits. Her children didn’t have a yard to play in. “I had to take them to a park or a museum. Now that we’re here, they can play in the neighborhood.

Mi is especially excited about nearby Myott Park, which recently opened in the Bluestem neighborhood. “Now that it’s done, I can take them up there,” she said.

While working toward homeownership, Mi was also pursuing her education. She recently earned her associate’s degree in nursing from Metropolitan Community College and will attend the University of Nebraska Medical Center to continue her studies.

Dr. Cynthia Gooch-Grayson presents Mi with the keys to her home.

One of Mi’s strongest supporters has been Dr. Cynthia Gooch-Grayson, an associate vice president at Metropolitan Community College and a member of Habitat Omaha’s Board of Directors.

“We’re just extremely proud of you, and we know that you’re going to continue to do big things for yourself and your family,” Cynthia said.

For Mi, home is more than just four walls and a roof — it’s a symbol of community and new beginnings.

“Habitat is not just about becoming a homeowner, I built a family through Habitat,” she said.