After more than a decade of dreaming, Chol and her family of eight were the first to move into the new Capriana development in Elkhorn – a milestone that represents not just a new home, but the realization of a lifelong dream.

Chol learned about Habitat for Humanity of Omaha when her father purchased a home through a partnership with the organization more than 10 years ago.

Habitat Omaha partners with families to achieve homeownership by building affordable housing and offering support through its Home Journey program, which combines financial education, community involvement and hands-on work.

“I knew about the program, but I didn’t apply because I wasn’t ready to be a homeowner,” she said. “I was going to school, and I wanted to have a career before I could buy my home.”

After earning a bachelor’s degree in public health from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2013, Chol, originally from South Sudan, graduated with a nursing degree from Nebraska Methodist College in 2021.

“I had always wanted to be a nurse,” said Chol, who now works for Nebraska Methodist Hospital.

In March, Chol was ready to move forward with her dream of purchasing a home for her family, including her husband, Puot, and their six children, ages 20, 16, 7, 5, 3, and 1.

Chol applied to Habitat Omaha’s Home Journey program. She received a call back in June. After a few challenges, she received word in late October that she qualified for a home in the new Capriana development, which aims to provide affordable housing in the Elkhorn area, where entry-level home-buying options are limited.

“It was a miracle that at the time I needed it, I got a call back that I’m in the program,” Chol said.

After completing her required classes and sweat equity, Chol closed on her home two days before Christmas.

“That’s my family’s Christmas gift,” she said. “They are excited to move to Elkhorn.”

Chol and her family moved into the three-bedroom, one-bathroom house in January. The family plans to finish the basement, ensuring each child has a space to call their own – a luxury they’ve never had before.

For Chol, having a home of their own means one thing: “Security.”