“I can’t wait to get to my house!” Alexander, 8, said during his family’s home closing ceremony at Habitat for Humanity of Omaha.

His mother, Martha, shared his excitement as they rang the bell together. They had come a long way from the cramped one-bedroom apartment they shared with Alexander’s grandmother.

Martha balanced the responsibilities of being a single mother to her autistic son and caring for her 84-year-old disabled mother in that apartment. With limited space, Martha and Alexander shared the bedroom while her mother slept in the living room.

Though she dreamed of owning her own home, Martha didn’t think she could afford something bigger.

“One of my dreams was to give my son a big backyard, so he could play because he is so full of energy,” she said. “Now, I have it thanks to Habitat.”

In April, Martha, who works for Omaha Steaks, purchased a remodeled three-bedroom, two-bathroom house in La Vista in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Omaha.

Martha first learned about Habitat Omaha after seeing ads on social media. She visited Habitat Omaha’s office in Millwork Commons to learn more about the Home Journey Program. The program offers financial education, affordable mortgage loans and community resources to help hardworking people buy homes and build a lasting foundation for future generations.

“That first day she came in, she was nervous,” said Joann, a Habitat Omaha housing counselor, who served as Martha’s interpreter.

Molly, a housing counselor, helped guide Martha through the application and homebuying process.

After completing the requirements, including the financial courses and sweat equity – volunteer hours required as part of the program — Martha was finally ready to look for a home.

When choosing a house, Martha had two requirements: the home had to be close to Alexander’s school and have more space for her son.

“In a little apartment, with his needs, not everyone understood,” Martha said. “He gets stressed when he’s in a closed-in area.”

When a home on Park View Boulevard became available, Molly and Joann knew it would be perfect for Martha, Alexander, and Martha’s mother. The house had a big backyard and was just blocks from the second-grader’s school — and his teacher lived right next door.

“Alexander was so excited at the first home showing,” Joann said. “By the time they left, he had already picked out his room.”

Now, Alexander has space to roam freely and be himself – something Martha has always dreamed of giving him.

“I’m still in shock. It’s something I can’t explain. It’s like a dream,” she said. “I never thought I could do it by myself.”

Alexander is excited to be close to his teacher and her family.

“She has kids, and my mom is going to buy a trampoline and a pool so my teacher’s kids can play with me,” he said. The 8-year-old also had one other request: a puppy.

Martha is grateful for those who helped her purchase her first home and encourages others to consider Habitat Omaha.

“When you think the possibilities of getting a home are not there, Habitat is there for you,” she said. “They make your dreams come true.”