Two years after starting her search, Amy was resigned that she would never own her own home. The 56-year-old pastor had looked in both Blair and Omaha to no avail.

“The houses in my price range needed a lot of work,” she said. “I couldn’t see myself making the mortgage payment and having enough money for remodeling and refurbishing. It would encompass most of my income.”

That was in March 2024. In June, Amy, who serves as the Blair Police chaplain, received an email from Habitat for Humanity of Omaha to all pastors in the Washington County Ministerial Association sharing the news of the new Habitat Omaha West Valley neighborhood development in Blair.

“I hadn’t recently thought about Habitat,” Amy said. “I mulled it over for several days and thought I was going to apply for it (homeownership). I started getting hopeful and excited again.”

Amy submitted her paperwork, and by the end of June, she had been approved for the Home Journey program. She completed the necessary classes and sweat equity.

“Everything just went smoothly,” she said. “Then it was time to start looking at houses.”

Initially, Amy thought she would be interested in houses in Blair. But then she learned about the empty-nester villas in Bluestem Prairie, near 51st Street and Sorensen Parkway. The villas, which offer an independent living opportunity with various-sized units, are open to all homebuyers. Amy liked that the neighborhood was close to her full-time job at a nearby nursing home.

“I thought how perfect with my age to have that zero-entry level and have some of the extra amenities. I can age in place,” she said. “It was a perfect size for me, too.”

Amy closed on her villa in October and was the first empty-nester to move in. Now, she welcomes her neighbors, who range from young professionals to retirees, as they move into the area. She’s also enjoyed the peace of the neighborhood and the privacy of owning her own home.

“It’s been fun to start to think about where to put everything in the house and do some interior design,” she said.

With her newfound space, Amy was excited to welcome family members to visit, preparing the second bedroom.

“I’ve never had a guest room before,” she said.

Amy encourages others, including her coworkers, to explore the possibilities with Habitat Omaha.

“I’m just so thankful and full of gratitude for all the people here and the mission of Habitat,” she said.

To learn more and apply for homeownership in the Bluestem Villas, visit habitatomaha.org/the-villas-at-bluestem.