Homeowner Edit speaks at a mortgage burning ceremony on Sept. 20 at Bellevue Berry Farm.

Tears of happiness streamed down Edit’s face as she tried to express her appreciation for Habitat for Humanity of Omaha.

“I’m so happy to have my own house,” she said.

Edit was among six homeowners Habitat Omaha celebrated for meeting the milestone of paying off their mortgage at a “mortgage burning” ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Bellevue Berry Farm. In the past three years, 23 homeowners have paid off their mortgages, and since the organization began in 1984, 69 homeowners have met that goal.

Homeowner Jim and his wife, Crystal, speak at a mortgage burning ceremony on Sept. 20 at Bellevue Berry Farm.

Paying off a mortgage is more than a financial milestone — it’s a powerful symbol of transformation. For Habitat Omaha families, it marks the culmination of years of dedication, resilience, and belief in a better future.

“This is very moving to me because my children were able to have a home when they were young, and they could go to school. They’ve done so well,” said Jim, who purchased his home with his wife, Crystal, and paid it off in 2022.

The homeowners offered uplifting words for current and future Habitat homeowners.

“My words of encouragement are, ‘Just keep going. No one can stop you,” said La Donna, who purchased her home in 2001 and made her last payment in July.

Homeowner Kimberly hugs Habitat Omaha CEO Amanda Brewer at a mortgage burning ceremony at the Bellevue Berry Farm.

Homeowner Kimberly agreed.

“Don’t doubt yourself,” she said. “Go forward, whatever plan you have.”

Lacey Studnicka, chief program officer, said these homeowners are an inspiration to Habitat Omaha staff.

“This is how we keep going every single day,” Lacey said. “You are the hope that we tell the 3,000 people a year who apply to Habitat who are ready for a home. So, thank you.”

Habitat Omaha CEO Amanda Brewer speaks to homeowners and Habitat staff at a mortgage burning ceremony Sept. 20 at the Bellevue Berry Farm.