For Makida, the moment she saw her three daughters’ faces light up during the first tour of their new home was a moment she’ll never forget. It was the realization of a dream – one that took a year of hard work and determination to make a reality.

Makida purchased the home in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Omaha. The three-bedroom house on Curtis Avenue is only three blocks from her childhood home.

“The girls absolutely loved it. I was thrilled to see the excitement on their faces,” said Makida, a registered nurse at Nebraska Medicine. “I loved everything about it.”

Two of her daughters will share a bedroom, but they couldn’t be happier. “They were so eager that they volunteered.”

Makida began her path to homeownership around the end of October 2023 through Habitat Omaha’s 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.

“It has been amazing. Everyone was so nice and kind,” she said. “I’ve learned so much about managing home equity, caring for my home, and understanding how my debt-to-income ratio plays a role in the homeownership process.”

Though this is Makida’s first home, it is not her first experience with Habitat Omaha. Nearly 10 years ago, her sister, Christa, purchased a renovated home along Florence Boulevard. Their mother, Arlett, is proud of both of her daughters.

“It’s so heartwarming to see them accomplish these things,” Arlett said. “I always wanted them to understand that building wealth for their children is important – being homeowners and providing a safe place for their kids to grow up. I tried to give that to them.”

After more than a year of hard work, Makida closed on her home Dec. 16. She plans to move in over the next month. So, what’s the first thing she’ll do once she’s settled in?

“Before I move anything in, we’ll probably do cartwheels in the living room,” she laughed.

Makida encourages anyone thinking about homeownership to take the leap with Habitat Omaha.

“Jump in with both feet. Just go for it,” she said. “It’s going to be an amazing experience.”