Jean’s focus these past five years has naturally been on caring for Ellis, and little by little, their home fell into disrepair. They looked into hiring someone to do the repairs and quickly learned the cost was beyond anything their budget could handle. Things looked and felt hopeless as they wondered if they’d be able to stay in their home.
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.
Maung and Cha Loh learned about Habitat Omaha’s Homeownership Program through their community and friends. What compelled them to apply were 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.”
Homeownership is transformative. Especially for kids. In their own words, Biel, Dah, Isaac, J’riaha, Lali and Maji told us what their homes and the Kountze Park neighborhood mean to them. Meet these amazing kids and see their neighborhood in our video, “The Power of Homeownership”.
Kek always has a positive attitude. Even when his application to the Habitat homeownership program was denied in 2016, he kept thinking positively and worked harder. With a smile on his face, he returned to apply in 2017 and his determination and hard work paid off when his application was accepted.
Omaha native Emily N. has been with Habitat for Humanity of Omaha since 2016, drawn in by the mission of the organization. “I believe that affordable housing is a human right and it is an honor to be working for an organization that advocates for and provides affordable housing in our community.”
Happiness. This is what A Pya wants for his family and what he believes homeownership will bring. Currently, this active family of eight lives in a noisy, overpriced apartment and is ready to put down their roots in a home and neighborhood of their own.
Candyce views homeownership as a chance to prove her independence. As a single mother of two young children, she has watched her mother, father and brother accomplish various goals. Now, she feels it’s her time to shine.
