Dream of stability, opportunity, and a place to call home arriving soon

For many years, homeownership felt like a dream for Jessica’s family, but it was a dream rooted in something simple: stability. As a mother, she wanted a place where her children could grow up, feel secure, and create lasting memories. Alongside her husband, she imagined a home that would serve as the foundation for their family’s future, offering both comfort and opportunity. 

That dream began to feel possible when she learned that her employer, Cobalt Credit Union, would serve as a mortgage sponsor for Habitat for Humanity of Omaha families. As the Assistant Branch Manager at Cobalt’s Papillion branch, where she has worked for the past two years, she spends her days helping members achieve their financial goals. Yet when it came to her own family, she initially wasn’t sure they would qualify for homeownership through Habitat Omaha. 

Jessica and her family.

After talking it through with her husband, they decided to take a chance.

“If we didn’t apply, we’d never know,” Jessica said. “A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.” 

That decision proved life changing.

Their journey with Habitat Omaha became much more than a path to purchasing a home. Along the way, they gained valuable knowledge about budgeting, saving, credit, and the responsibilities that come with homeownership. Through classes and workshops, they built skills that will continue to benefit them long after closing day. 

Throughout the process, two Habitat Omaha team members, Giulia and Lynette, became trusted guides. They answered countless questions, provided encouragement, and helped turn what could have been an overwhelming experience into one that felt manageable and empowering. 

Originally, the family considered a Habitat Omaha townhome in the new Tallgrass development. Ultimately, however, they found that a single-family home better matched their vision for the future. A fenced yard for their children and dog (Paco) was important, and they loved the neighborhood’s familiarity. Having previously rented nearby and with their children’s school only about a mile away, the location felt like the perfect fit. 

While they have not yet moved in, the home already represents something significant. 

“It’s the perfect place to begin our homeownership journey,” she said. “A place where we can create traditions and memories that will last a lifetime.” 

The family is scheduled to close on their home on Friday, a milestone she expects to be filled with excitement, gratitude, and pride. Most of all, she looks forward to watching her children’s reaction when they realize the home is finally theirs. 

Jessica with Dr. Viv Ewing and Mayor Ewing at a recent Women Build.

Jessica spoke at the Dr. Viv Ewing Women Build on Tuesday and also participated in the event. Reflecting on the total Habitat for Humanity experience, she says Habitat Omaha offers far more than the opportunity to buy a house. 

“Habitat doesn’t just help you purchase a home. They prepare you for homeownership,” Jessica said. “The classes, workshops, and support give you the knowledge and confidence to succeed. The staff genuinely care about helping families reach their goals and are with you every step of the way.” 

For her family, Habitat Omaha transformed a long-held dream into reality, turning the hope of homeownership into a future filled with stability, opportunity, and a place to call home. 

To learn more about Habitat Omaha’s Homeownership Program, visit: https://habitatomaha.org/homeownership/