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 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.”
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.
Grady Hastings—a Senior Project Engineer at JE Dunn Construction—was born and raised in Ralston. He first heard about Habitat for Humanity of Omaha as a student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
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".
Les has been here at Habitat for Humanity of Omaha for three years. He is not an Omaha native but was brought to the city by family. Les is the Accounts Payable and Benefits Clerk at Habitat Omaha. His day involves tasks like answering vendor questions, processing payroll, real estate taxes, and tracking Habitat Omaha properties.
Habitat for Humanity of Omaha is known for building affordable homes. But construction is not the only way we help empower the community and its members. Sometimes, we do this by providing a clean slate. That’s where Project Demolition comes in. Condemned and abandoned properties can hinder economic development and cause safety issues for both the city and neighbors.
Hunter VanDolah, a student at Creighton University, first heard about Habitat for Humanity of Omaha through fellow students and the school’s local volunteer opportunities. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Hunter came to Omaha to attend Creighton. He is currently a full-time student studying biochemistry.
