From volunteering and donating to purchasing homes, shopping at Omaha’s Habitat ReStore and so much more, people partner with Habitat for Humanity of Omaha in a variety of ways. It’s these people who shape Habitat Omaha and help us as we strive to achieve our vision, “a world where everyone has a decent place to live”. Learn more about Habitat Omaha and find out how you can get involved by reading their stories.
Family is a major support system for Ebony and her two sons, JJ (7) and EJ (2). With the love and support of her parents, grandparents, and “aunties,” Ebony is the first person in her extended family to go to college, and now will be the first to own her own home.
Caught in the middle of violent civil unrest in Bhutan, Bhim and his family were forced to leave the country when he was six years old. The family moved to a refugee camp in Nepal where they lived for 16 years. Seeing the potential for unrest and war if they returned to Bhutan or the surrounding region, Bhim’s family decided not to go back. Instead they chose “the peaceful choice” – moving to the United States
For Britt, an Omaha native and single mother of two girls, having an affordable home is top priority. She came to Habitat for Humanity of Omaha after looking to buy a home for her family in the open market. Every home she viewed was either out of her price range or required a lot of repairs. “I felt that it (Habitat Omaha’s Homeownership Program) was a more affordable way to get my home,” she said.
Jared first came in contact with Habitat for Humanity of Omaha as an AmeriCorps NCCC member. He joined the team-based community service program in 2017 to explore the world outside his hometown of Omaha, which, coincidentally, happened to be the location of his first project. When his time with NCCC came to an end, Jared decided to reconnect with his Habitat Omaha friends. Jared is now a full-time staff member at Habitat Omaha, in the role of Volunteer Services Coordinator.
The sound of hammers and saws fills the air this week at the Home Builders Blitz as professional builders, volunteers, and Habitat for Humanity of Omaha staff work to erect nine houses on a single block. One street over, volunteers from St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church are giving their time to build another home that will soon be purchased by a local family.
Maung and Cha Loh learned about Habitat Omaha’s Homeownership Program through their community and friends. What compelled them to apply was the advantages of homeownership and the fact that Habitat Omaha would be with them through the entire process. “We chose Habitat because we strongly believe Habitat is the most helpful resource for life in the U.S.,” they said. “Habitat educates and enlarges our perspective on how to be the best homeowners.”
Deb Schmadeke, a former marketing coordinator for a local nonprofit and special education teacher, first heard about Habitat for Humanity of Omaha through her church, but didn’t begin volunteering with the organization until her friend and Habitat Omaha staff member, Kathy Wells, encouraged her to get involved.
Patrick Kinchler is the Supply Chain Director at SouthernCarlson. “My experience with Habitat Omaha specifically has been within the hospitality house for the Builders Blitz; just being a part of it and providing sponsorship of those that put in the real work is a very satisfying feeling.”
Kristin Larsen is a Project Engineer for The Weitz Company. This Builders Blitz volunteer first learned about Habitat for Humanity of Omaha in high school but didn’t become involved with the organization until she started working for Weitz and got involved with Habitat Omaha’s Builders Blitz.
Sam Howe is a project engineer with MCL Construction. He first came in contact with Habitat for Humanity of Omaha as a volunteer while he was a student at University of Nebraska at Omaha. Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Sam has resided in Papillion since he was 5 years old, when his dad accepted a position here in Omaha.