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Family Focus: The Mung-Niang Family
For almost four years, Mathias Mung and Lun Niang have lived in a two-bedroom apartment with their young son and daughter. Mathias works as a custodian to provide financial stability for the family, while Lun is a stay-at-home mother. Their current apartment is an unhealthy environment for small children and Mathias and Lun worry that the lack adequate housing will negatively affect their children in the future.
Family Bios: The Ejigu-Kere Family
For ten years, Dereje Ejigu and Zuriash Kere have rented a small two-bedroom apartment they share with Zuraish’s elderly mother, Yeshi Mucatu, and two young children. While the small space is less than adequate for the family of five, it is also affecting the family’s health. Small windows cause poor ventilation, preventing sunlight from reaching several rooms, and every winter mold grows in the bedrooms affecting the family’s breathing and overall health. The hardworking couple — Dereje is a parking attendant and Zuriash works in the food services industry — only make enough to get by, making it impossible to save enough to get a better home.
“With five household members living in two rooms, it is too crowded” said Dereje. “And every winter the mildew grows making it hard to breath.”
Despite the problems of the apartment itself, Dereje and Zuriash worry about the wellbeing of Yeshi. Each day her ability to walk worsens and the stairs in the apartment make it difficult for her to get around. Dereje and Zuriash hope their future will allow their children and Yeshi to have their own rooms, instead of having to share one.
A community center informed Dereje and Zuriash about Habitat’s homeownership program and encouraged them to apply. When they were told they were accepted into the program, the family was ecstatic, feeling optimistic for the future.
“We are looking forward to having space for the kids. When they have a house they will live freely,” said Dereje. “It will change everything in their lives, allowing them to go to a good school and focus on their education.”
