Jamal Ali’s and Sahro Elmi’s Story

Jamal and Sahro have been waiting for their home since the spring of 2007. It has been difficult to find a home that can fit all seven of their children, where they have enough bedrooms and plenty of room for them to play. This year, their prayers have been answered. Habitat now has found a foreclosed home that will fit their needs.

                When Jamal and Sahro found out that they were accepted into the program, they were excited and called their family all over the United States, from Los Angeles to Chicago. "I think it will change a lot and my current apartment is on the 2^nd floor so my children have to be quiet most of the time. But my children like to play, and they have told their children that when we're in our own home the children can play anywhere they want too," said Jamal when we asked him how he thought life would be different when they have their own home. It sure will be different for a family that had to leave their homeland Somali to Kenya to California and then finally to Minnesota.

                Having their own home will be a big step up from their current living arrangement. A three bedroom apartment is not nearly enough room for a family of nine, but sadly it was all that they could afford living on a single income. However, things changed for them when a friend of theirs, a Habitat homeowner themselves, told them about the program. So Jamal and Sahro took their first step and attended an information meeting.

                "We want to say thank you for so many people that are helping us get into our very own home. We are so thankful to everyone, including volunteers, staff, Board of Directors and our friends and family that have helped us along the way. We also want to thank the good willed community members who have given of themselves to help make a home possible for our family."