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Crayon drawing of family, house, and dog under a rainbow

Habitat Families

Zakeya with family

ZAKEYA

After surviving a traumatic brain injury in 2020, Zakeya’s doctors told her she was a miracle. Determined to rebuild her life, she poured her strength into therapy, faith, and caring for her four children. By November 2023, she was ready to take another courageous step: walking into the Habitat office to learn about homeownership.

Balancing family life and recovery, Zakeya completed her sweat equity hours in just three months. She learned new construction skills, framing, installing windows, and laying flooring, and even used those skills on a mission trip to help flood victims rebuild. Today, as the first in her family to own a home, Zakeya stands as a testament to perseverance and grace. Her home is the foundation of a renewed life and a hopeful future for her children.

  • To every donor, volunteer, and sponsor, thank you. I would have never qualified to be a homeowner without Habitat. Our life has changed overnight.

    Zakeya

    Habitat Homeowner

Shantaye and boys

SHANTAYE

Shantaye is a devoted mom who dreamed of giving her boys a stable home that was all theirs. She longed for a place where her children could run, play, and have their own space.

Now, in their Habitat home, Shantaye and her boys are experiencing the stability, freedom, and joy that come with having a place to truly call their own.

  • My boys finally have space to just be kids, and I love cooking for them in our new kitchen. This home is everything we dreamed of.

    Shantaye

    Habitat Homeowner

  • Habitat has not just given me a home, they’ve given me my hope back.

    Fay

    Habitat Homeowner

Fay at home dedication

FAY

Born in Ethiopia, Fay lost her father early in life, and her mother was unable to care for her and her siblings. She spent her early years moving from one orphanage to another, longing for stability and belonging. Eventually, she was adopted by a couple in Northeast Indiana, bringing hope for a new beginning. But tragedy struck again when her adoptive family lost a child, and the grief created distance and tension that strained her relationship with her adoptive mother.

Through it all, Fay was surrounded by a supportive community that encouraged her and helped guide her toward a brighter future. Seeking stability and a foundation to build on, she turned to Habitat. Today, as a new Habitat homeowner, Fay finally has a place to call her own: a safe, stable home that allows her to dream, grow, and create a strong foundation for her future.

“I’m overwhelmed and joyful,” said Biddle. “God is faithful and He always provides.”

  • “I want more for my babies. I want them to see that with faith and hard work, we can build something lasting.”

Mom with three young girls

AALIJAH

As a mother of three beautiful girls, Aalijah has prayed for a place where her family could thrive. The first time she applied to Habitat, debt stood in her way, but instead of giving up, she took it as a sign to trust God’s timing. She tackled her finances, leaned into prayer, and when she applied again—she was approved! “Claim your Kingdom!” she declared, knowing this home was more than just walls and a roof; it was a promise fulfilled, made possible by the generosity of supporters like you.

Now, Aalijah is proving to herself and her daughters that anything is possible with faith and perseverance. She will be the first in her family to own a home­—breaking barriers and teaching her girls what it means to be good stewards of God’s blessings.

  • Security, stability, and empowerment, that’s what this home means to me. I want to show my daughter that we can do hard things and achieve our goals.”

Laura in blue hard hat

LAURA

Laura is a loving single mom who has built a life around helping others through her work with the Bureau of Disability Services. But, when it came to her own dreams of homeownership, doubt held her back.

For years, the uncertainty of rising rent left her anxious. Each lease renewal brought the same fear: How much more will it cost this time? She longed for stability, for a home where she and her daughter could feel safe, where they could put down roots and build a future.

“Change is difficult for me, but everyone has been so encouraging,” Laura shared. Now, as she works toward becoming a homeowner, she’s embracing that change with a new sense of confidence.

Pink door with Habitat keychain in lock

Every family deserves a safe, affordable place to live, learn, work, and play.

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Two Men putting furniture into the truck

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