Celebrating Milwaukee Habitat Day with Malik

Celebrating Milwaukee Habitat Day with Malik

Eight years ago, on Friday, June 17th, 2016, we celebrated a significant milestone as Milwaukee Habitat welcomed its 1,000th family served into their new home in the Washington Park neighborhood. That day, then Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett officially declared June 17th Milwaukee Habitat day. As of this year, we have helped over 1,500 families build or repair a place to call home. One of those homeowners is Malik. Malik recently moved into his new home with his two sons and three-month-old daughter. 

During his home dedication celebration, he shared:

It’s been a great experience. I’ve experienced a lot of things I’ve never experienced before…it’s just fun. Getting to see it all the way through to the end. 

When asked what it was like to get the keys:

It’s really just overwhelming. And a wave just washed over me. I don’t have words to really express it. I finally accomplished what I started a long time ago.

Even still, I sit. Even a few minutes ago, I was sitting there in the living room just still taking it in. I did it all for my kids so they got somewhere to grow. Still at a loss for words. I just don’t know. Trying to think of the words to say but I’m just happy.

One thing I really learned about myself is that no matter how tough it got, just kept pushing through. Some days I did want to give up, not going to lie. It felt like bump after bump. Going through this whole journey to see it through the end, it was wonderful. I got to experience stuff like I never did before like actually seeing a home from the foundation all the way up to the finished product. All four walls, windows, doors. I even helped a little with the siding. It’s something I will cherish forever. Never got to experience something like that before. 

When asked what he is excited about in this new stage, Malik shared:

I’m going back to school next year to finish out my Associate’s Degree in Electronic Engineering. So that’s one thing I’m really looking forward to. I probably have two more semesters and then I’m done. After that, it’s up from there.

This year, on Milwaukee Habitat day, we celebrate Habitat homeowners like Malik who have accomplished their dream of homeownership. 

Congratulations to all of our homeowners and Happy Milwaukee Habitat Day!