Reyna’s Habitat home a fresh start with unlimited possibilities
Walking into Reyna’s home in Northeast Portland, one thing about her is immediately clear: This woman loves purple. The lavender and white ombre curtains are drawn in the summertime, keeping the living area cool, even on the third floor. A plush, tri-color blanket in violet hues is draped over the sofa, complimenting the purple […]
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Rebekah’s fixer-upper now a point of pride in her neighborhood
Rebekah, a homeowner in Northeast Portland, sipped cool water under the shade of a tree in her yard, waving to neighbors walking their dogs and inhaling the sweet aroma of freshly bloomed white and pink roses growing in her garden. Life only recently became this blissful for Rebekah and her daughter. The two of them […]
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New home, new friends await Daisy and family
Ever since Daisy found out that she had the opportunity to purchase an affordable home, she said she’s been in a dream. But even if somebody pinches her, she won’t have to worry about waking up. Daisy and her three teenagers, ages 11, 16 and 18, are eager to move into their four-bedroom Habitat […]
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From homeless to homeowner: Renatta’s Story
Renatta grew up in the Pacific Northwest, bouncing from apartment to apartment with her grandmother. “I’m the oldest of five, but my mother just couldn’t mother, so we were all separated in the foster care system and sent to various relatives,” Renatta said. “Thankfully, my grandmother took me in.” Living with a disability, Renatta’s grandmother […]
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Homeowner story | Michele and the gift of a lasting home
Michele always knew she wanted to give her children the stable home she never had growing up. Her dad, who immigrated at age 8 from Mexico, worked from 6 am to 6 pm for almost his entire life to make sure that his family had food, clothes, and a roof over their heads. But that […]
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Staring Down the Homeownership Gap
Just steps beyond Jackie Jones’ front window are the homes she always longed for. A place of her own, that she could take care of properly, in the Northeast Portland neighborhood she was raised in. She can see them from her rental home’s window, but they might as well be a hundred miles away. It’s […]
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In Search of Security: Natalia’s Story
Growing up in Guatemala with her mother, father, and great grandmother, Natalia knew what secure housing felt like. The family shared a farm with aunts and cousins, and she had a stable home. However, violence and poverty surrounded them, and after the earthquake of 1972, the family connected with a nonprofit organization and ultimately relocated […]
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Leina’ala Builds Her Dream | Homeowner Story
Hula and Habitat for Humanity forever altered Leina’ala’s life. One connected her to her cultural roots; the other let her lay down new roots of her own. In August, Leina’ala became a first-time homeowner at Habitat’s Kenton Commons in Northeast Portland. But before she even had the keys, she knew every inch of her new […]
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An Accessible Home and a Lifetime of Stability | Shamsa’s Story
Shamsa and her family escaped their home in Syria when the Civil War broke out in 2016, and with the aid of the International Organization for Migration, they found refuge in America. For the next five years, Shamsa and her husband, Mohammed, raised their three elementary school-aged children, Aleen, Jameel, and Yazan, in their two-bedroom, […]
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Second Generation Habitat Homeowner | James’ story
James remembers fondly his youth in Florida, his neighborhood and friendships — a childhood he would like for his future children. He grew up in a Habitat home, and someday his kids may grow up in a Habitat home, too. The home is nearly complete, one of 31 underway at Habitat’s Cherry Blossom community in […]
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