Second-Generation Homeowner Picked Home While Working in Bluestem

As a contractor, Joel watched Habitat for Humanity of Omaha’s Bluestem Prairie development near 51st Street and Sorensen Parkway grow.

Joel, 23, was working for his mother’s construction and remodeling business, painting the interiors and exteriors of newly built homes, when one caught his eye.

“I wish I could have that house,” he told his mother, Julie.

Joel was referring to one of the Villas at Bluestem, which offer independent living opportunities with various-sized units and are open to all homebuyers. He wanted one specific home because “it had a basement.”

Julie, along with her husband, Daniel, purchased a five-bedroom home in partnership with Habitat Omaha in 2011. The couple and six of their seven children were living in a two-bedroom duplex.

“That was the only thing I could afford back then,” said Julie, who was the lone breadwinner for the family as Daniel was a stay-at-home dad.

At the time, Joel was just 9 years old. “I had my own room,” he said of his parents’ home. “I was excited.”

His parents weren’t Joel’s only inspiration for purchasing a home. His older brother, Jose, also purchased a two-bedroom refurbished house through Habitat Omaha and lives right next door to their parents.

Joel initially applied to partner with Habitat Omaha two years before he was accepted. However, at the time, he was a student, working part-time and had debt from a truck loan.

After seeing the villas, Julie encouraged her son to apply again. Now, he was working full-time and had no debt. This time he was approved.

“It was like I was dreaming,” he said. “I want to be an example to my younger siblings to strive for better and accomplish your goals in life.”

Joel purchased his home with an affordable mortgage through Habitat Omaha. A financial partner then purchased the loan, allowing the organization to build more homes. It’s a collaboration for which he is thankful.

“It makes me more responsible and more dedicated to my work,” he said. “I can’t miss a day of work because I want to pay off my house.”