06/05/2026
Friday Family Feature 🏡💙
Meet Efrem, Fikadu and their family. Here is their story:
"Homeownership has been a very important and meaningful step for our family of five. It represents comfort, stability, safety, and a better future for my family. For many years, we hoped to have a place that we could truly call our own. Today, we feel proud and grateful to call Garafraxa our home and to be part of this welcoming community.
Our journey to homeownership was a positive and life-changing experience. Before moving into our current home, we lived in a two-bedroom home. With five family members, space was often limited and stressful. The children had to share rooms, making it difficult for everyone to have their own quiet, comfortable space. We made it work, but we always hoped for more space where our family could live comfortably.
One of the most exciting changes was moving from a two-bedroom home to a four-bedroom home. Now, each member of our family has more personal space, which has helped create a calmer and more peaceful home environment. The children are happier and more relaxed because they have room to sleep, study, and play. Having enough space has improved our family routines and strengthened our relationships with each other.
A very important part of our success was the support we received from my brother. He helped guide me through the Habitat for Humanity housing application process. The application process can be confusing and overwhelming, but his help, encouragement, and support gave me the confidence to continue. We are deeply thankful for his support and for the opportunity provided through the housing program, which helped make our dream of homeownership possible.
Since moving into our home, we feel happier, safer, and more secure. Our home gives us a stable place where we can grow together as a family, build special memories, and focus on our future goals. It has brought us peace of mind and a strong sense of pride. Having enough bedrooms and living space has made a very positive impact on our mental and emotional well-being.
Homeownership has taught us responsibility and long-term planning. We now understand the importance of maintaining our home and being active members of our community. We enjoy building relationships with our neighbours and contributing to making our neighbourhood a friendly and supportive place for families.
By sharing our story, we hope to encourage other families and show that homeownership is achievable with support, determination, and access to helpful housing programs. Our experience shows how important safe and stable housing is for families and communities.
We are very thankful for this opportunity and look forward to continuing to build a strong, safe, and happy future for our family in Garafraxa. Our home is more than just a place to live. It is where our family feels safe, supported, and hopeful about the future."
Congratulations on becoming Habitat Homeowners! 🏡🎉
