By Lacey Studnicka, Chief Program Officer

Sometimes, even a good system can leave some people behind. Once we saw that happening, we knew it was time to rethink our approach.

When I first came to Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, we were doing amazing work–but something wasn’t quite right.

Families would apply for a home, and some would be met with the heartbreak of rejection. Except they didn’t know why they were denied, and often, they’d return year after year, stuck in a cycle of disappointment. Imagine that: wanting to own a home, but never being told how to get there.

That’s how our Home Journey program was born. We flipped the process on its head: instead of starting with the application process, we asked ourselves: Why not prepare people for success from the start?

Here’s what sets it apart:

When we launched Home Journey in 2021, we received 3,000 calls in just 48 hours! We rolled up our sleeves and booked those first appointments with nearly 400 families.

Omaha is not immune to the affordability crisis that is keeping far too many hardworking families from ever feeling the pride and security of owning a home.

That’s where you come in. Your support is what makes programs like Home Journey possible. So thank you! Together, we can be a big part of the solution.

And stay tuned for more insights in our Behind the Build series, where we’ll continue to share how we’re making lasting change, one family at a time.

Thank you for believing in this mission!