It has been several months since we dedicated our first few Habitat homes in the city of Hugo, and the families have since settled into their new routines in their new community. We recently caught up with homeowners Mohamed and Kinsi, who live in one of the Habitat townhomes. They shared their Habitat journey with us, so that we could share it with all of you.
Mohamed and his wife Kinsi originally applied for Homeownership with Habitat for Humanity after hearing about the program from a family friend. Mohamed immediately found Twin Cities Habitat's website to learn more about the application requirements and the homebuying process. After discussing their options, the family decided to apply to the program. Once the family was accepted into Habitat's Homeownership program, they went to work, completing their training courses and performing required sweat equity hours.
"I did all of the sweat equity," Mohamed shared. "I learned a lot about painting, taking care of your lawn, and how big the construction of a home really is. There were wonderful volunteers from high school and different agencies. I guess, to me, that was a really impressive part of the program—that you had older folks and young folks all helping with the project. I have three kids, and we talk about giving back and volunteering. It was definitely the most positive experience I had through the program," he said, before quickly adding, "besides the house of course! It truly is impressive."
Mohamed has many memories from working alongside volunteers and staff, but one that makes him chuckle relates to one of his first experiences painting the home.
"I had the paint and paintbrush in hand and I started to go to work," he explained. "After a while, I realized that none of the paint was dripping. Not on my brush, on the wall, on the floor. Then I looked down, and realized I had been dripping on my clothes the entire time!"
Once construction on their home was completed, Mohamed, Kinsi, and their children celebrated along with friends, family, neighbors, volunteers, sponsors, and staff during a Habitat home dedication. Mohamed recalled that a lot of people showed up from the neighborhood, which made he and his family feel welcomed to the community. During the ceremony, Mohamed spoke about what this home meant to his family:
"I am grateful for this opportunity for my children to dream about their futures. I tell them when they grow up it is important to give back to the community, and to give this opportunity to others."
Following the dedication, the family officially closed on their Habitat home.
"It was a truly wonderful experience, as a first-time homeowner," Mohammed said. "The dream of my kids having a home to grow up in and a place where they can pursue higher education is now a reality."
The family has settled into their new neighborhood in Hugo, surrounded by fellow Habitat homeowners and welcoming neighbors.
"The community is wonderful," Mohamed said. "We are definitely enjoying it and we are very happy."
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