Tadesse's family story

Along with his wife, Maereg, and two daughters Tsion (8) and Mekdelawit (4), Tadesse Nigatu joins other Habitat homebuyer families as part of the 27th Annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. Originally from Ethiopia, Tadesse and his family have been struggling in their current residence, a cramped apartment in St. Paul run by neglectful landlords. From the smoke to the noise to the dysfunctional kitchen appliances, Tadesse and Maereg have needed to find a way out—somehow.

Luckily, they heard about Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity from friends who are already Habitat homeowners. After applying, Tadesse was overjoyed to hear that his family had been selected for a home. "We are very, very happy!" beams Tadesse. Already active in their local church and library, the family is looking forward to becoming involved in their new community.

Tadesse understands the responsibilities behind homeownership. He says he is excited to learn the proper ways to fix and maintain his Habitat home through his training classes and sweat equity. The family’s new Habitat home will provide privacy, space and safety, all of which are in jeopardy at their current apartment. With these basic comforts met, Tadesse and Maereg will finally be able to focus on cultivating and financing their family’s next top priority: education.

Entering third grade this fall, Tsion is a voracious reader who has already been placed in an educational program for gifted students. When asked about her favorite subject in school, she pauses for a moment then exclaims, "Almost everything!" The family’s new Habitat home should provide plenty of space, both inside and out, for Tsion and her sister Mekdelawit to study, learn and grow.