Family Stories
Celebrating the past and building the future, these powerful stories from Habitat homeowners and repair partners show what’s possible when families work alongside us to create strength, stability, and self-reliance through housing.
Deidre’s Story: Rebuilding with Strength, Faith, and Family.
For 33 years, Deidre was married to someone who didn’t share her values of honesty and hard work. When that relationship came to an end, it took more than just an emotional toll—it cost her the stability of home. She and her son lost their house and were forced into a rental that strained their finances. “My mortgage would be such a large part of my earnings that I couldn’t afford anything else,” she said.
Worse still, the fallout from the past had compromised her credit, making the road back to stability even more daunting. But Deidre and her son made a promise to one another: they would stay together, work hard, and focus on rebuilding their lives.
Deidre’s turning point came from her best friend of 35 years. “She has two daughters with Habitat homes,” Deidre shared, “and they’ve had great experiences and beautiful homes.”
Encouraged by their stories, Deidre applied to the Habitat homeownership program, knowing she would have to be focused and patient. She has committed herself wholeheartedly to completing her 250 sweat equity hours at the Habitat ReStore in Naperville and attending financial counseling and homeownership classes through HOME DuPage. As a result, she is gaining not only practical knowledge of homeownership, but also a renewed sense of purpose and pride.
Now on the cusp of owning her own affordable home, Deidre says, “My life will be complete. This is what success looks like!” After years of hardship, she will have a place to finally call her own—a safe, stable home built not just with bricks, but with determination, faith, and the support of a caring community. “We’re always proud of others,” she says, “but I will be very proud of myself.”
To others considering the Habitat program, her advice is clear: “Apply. Be focused and patient. You will gain more knowledge about homeownership through Habitat than anywhere else.” And to her younger self, she offers this wisdom: “Budget, protect your credit, pursue education, care for your health, thank God every day and never forget to love your family and friends.”
Deidre’s journey is a powerful reminder that with resilience and the right support, it’s never too late to rebuild.
Habitat Brings Relief to a Veteran in Need
Frank, a Westmont resident and Army veteran, lived without reliable air conditioning for 30 years. His outdated unit was beyond repair, and the cost of replacement was simply out of reach. On hot summer days, when the temperature rose above 95 degrees, Frank often had to leave his home and stay with family just to get through the heat.
Years earlier, Frank had seen firsthand the difference Habitat could make when a friend received support during a difficult time. He never forgot the impact it had, and when he learned about Habitat’s repair program, he decided to reach out. The Family Services Manager guided him through the process, making sure every detail was covered. “She gave me so much help!” he said.
When Habitat’s construction team arrived, they worked in tandem to install a new, energy-efficient central air system. When Frank finally turned it on, the difference was remarkable. “It was like I was born again,” he said. For the first time in decades, he could enjoy comfort in his own home, without worry or hardship.
This repair not only improved Frank’s daily life, but also gave him peace of mind and renewed confidence in the future. Inspired by the support he received, Frank now shares his story with others, encouraging more families to discover the difference Habitat can make.
Alimasi & Kristina's Story
Alimasi and Kristina, along with their two children, Kaizer and Killian, are a family built on strong values of love, kindness, and community. They believe in spreading positivity wherever they go, and some of their happiest moments come from simple traditions—like gathering around the table to eat ramen while watching Naruto, a Japanese anime series about a young ninja who overcomes hardship with perseverance, hope, and an unbreakable belief in the power of bonds and community. For them, Naruto represents not just entertainment, but a reminder that resilience and unity can overcome any obstacle.
Their journey to Habitat began after a devastating setback in 2019, when raw sewage flooded their apartment and left behind dangerous black mold. Forced to leave, the family moved in with Kristina’s grandparents. The situation weighed heavily on them—not only did they lose their home, but they feared their children would inherit the instability they themselves had grown up with.
Hope came through Kaizer’s school social worker, who told them about Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program. Inspired by the dream of stability for their sons, Alimasi and Kristina applied. “We want to give our children the stability of a home and break the cycles of housing insecurity we saw with our parents,” they explained.
Looking ahead, they dream of more than just four walls and a roof. They see a future where their boys grow up with the security of homeownership, in a community that lifts one another up. Their advice to others is simple yet powerful: “Have hope. Things do work out, and there is help out there for people who need it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
With Habitat’s partnership, this family is writing their own story – one of resilience, love, and a home where traditions continue to inspire the next generation.