Every time Alexis and her 15-year-old son, Isaiah, drove past the houses under construction along 24th Street in Blair – part of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha’s West Valley development — he would encourage her to apply.

“That sounds great, but I don’t really think I would qualify. I can’t afford it,” Alexis said. She hesitated out of fear of rejection, too.

“I’m a single mom with one income,” she said.

Still, in October 2024, Alexis submitted her application. She didn’t follow up right away, unsure of what would come next. Then, she met Guilia, Habitat Omaha’s Workforce Housing supervisor, during a meeting at Cargill, where she works as a warehouse assistant. That conversation led to Alexis enrolling in the Home Journey program.

“She got the ball rolling for me,” Alexis said.

The Home Journey program offers financial education, affordable mortgage loans and community resources to help hardworking people buy homes and build a lasting foundation for future generations.

After completing the requirements, in May, Alexis purchased one of the houses along 24th Street that she had driven by so often. She tried to keep the purchase a secret from Isaiah and her younger son, Felix, 10. But it wasn’t long before both found out.

Isaiah began to piece things together after a visit to the Social Security Administration office. When she was asked why she needed a new card, Alexis could only tell the woman she had an appointment because Isaiah was standing right next to her.

“You got a house, didn’t you?” Isaiah asked when they got to the car. “That’s why you’ve had all those appointments in Omaha.”

“You got me,” she told him.

Felix learned after Alexis and a friend drove by the house and he remained quiet in the back seat of the car.

“We’re getting a house?” he asked.

Both boys were excited about moving from their three-bedroom apartment to a home of their own. Isaiah already had a list of things he wanted to do to help improve the house.

“After a fence, he wants to maintain the yard,” Alexis said. “He’s been spitting ideas out,” including turning the basement into his own “apartment.”

Staying in Blair was a must for Alexis and her boys. The mother of two has lived in the Washington County town since she was a teenager.

“I love the community,” she said. “I know so many people here. They look out for me; I look out for them and our kids. We all watch out for each other, and it’s a safe community.”

At 31, Alexis admits she never thought she would own a home. But that encouragement from her son pushed her to take a chance.

“It’s very hard for me to take those leaps and to take the risks. I want to be in my comfort zone,” she said. “So, for my son to help push me out of my comfort zone and get us a house and work with Habitat … I’m very proud of all of this, and I’m very thankful and happy.”