Stories
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.
Explore Stories by Category
Tony’s Story – Veteran Repair Program
Anthony, who goes by Tony, is a Marine Corps veteran who served as a radio operator from 1990 to 1994. Unfortunately, his service left him with a 100% disabled rating, with cardiomyopathy and asthma. These issues and other health concerns have made it difficult for him to find work to accommodate his disabilities.
Aaron’s Story – Veterans Repair Program
Aaron served in the Air Force National Guard as a services craftsman, with a unique range of duties that included food service, mortuary affairs, fitness, and ensuring the general morale and welfare of the troops. Once Aaron was brought on active duty, he served full time in mortuary affairs, working with the deceased in Iraq.
Debra and Kenneth’s Story – Veteran Home Repair Program
Debbie and her husband, Kenny, are both veterans. Debbie served in the Air Force, and Kenny served in the Marines. Though they met in fifth grade, they went their separate ways before reuniting and marrying in 1998.
Tami’s Story – Veteran Home Repair Program
Tami started her career in the Army National Guard in Oregon and was trained as a material control and accounting technician. While serving in the Guard, she was activated for duty in support of Operation Desert Storm. Her primary responsibility was to prepare units for deployment into the Middle East. Upon ending her service, Tami worked administrative jobs in retail and insurance. For the past 15 years, she has worked as a support clerk for a global risk services firm.
How-to Protest Your Property Valuation
Protest Your Property ValuationWith the super-hot home market, it is likely you are seeing an increase in your mortgage payments because the value of your home has increased. Why? Higher valuation...
Bluestem Prairie Behind the Scenes: Greg Peterson, Former City Planner and Consultant
For more than 50 years, Greg Peterson has helped build beloved landmarks across Omaha as a City Planner and Consultant. CHI Arena and Convention Center, Union Pacific, First National Bank, Omaha World Herald and numerous other projects. These projects have left a transformative impact on our city.
For Greg’s next project, he wanted to give back and help make Omaha a stronger community.
WPL Program 2023
Home Repair Spotlight: Meet Peggy
Peggy has lived in her home since 2000, and the roof has fallen into disrepair. She was initially resistant to participate in the Veterans Repair Corps Program because she did not want to take anything away from other veterans who may need the help more than she does. Eventually, she agreed to work with Habitat to make repairs to her roof and windows.
A Faithful Journey to Homeownership, Jamila’s Story
Living in an apartment for six years was not ideal for Jamila and her family. Their apartment did not fit their needs, but they made it work. Jamila knew she had goals she wanted to accomplish in 2021. One of those goals was to become a homeowner.
Homeowner Spotlight: Meet Chyla, a long-time homeowner
For Chyla, living out Habitat for Humanity’s mission isn’t just done at work; it’s something she lives out in her personal life as well.
Giving Back to America’s Heroes
As we drove down the street in a quiet South Omaha neighborhood, we came upon a crew of dedicated roofers working hard in the cold month of December to pull an old roof off of a little white house. This is George’s house.
Homeowner Spotlight: Meet Mia, a published author of children’s books
After learning her daughter’s classmates were making comments about her appearance, Mia decided to write a book to encourage all girls to love and accept themselves and each other.
Family affected by flood ready to start a new chapter
In 2019, Nikki and her three boys were living in Paradise Lakes when water from the nearby Missouri River flooded the Bellevue park, damaging all 195 mobile homes.
July means fireworks…and property taxes
Our Accountant Trish shares a reflection on the month of July and what it means for our neighborhoods.
15 years in the making: Erika’s road to homeownership
Originally from Guatemala, Erika applied for a permanent resident card in 2006 in hopes of one day being able to purchase a house.