A New Home: This Family’s Dream Becomes Reality

A New Home: This Family’s Dream Becomes Reality

The following quotes were conveyed through a translator and have been edited for clarity and accuracy.

Hla Aye & Mee Mee are working hard to build a better life for their family, and that includes becoming homeowners. Through Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity’s Affordable Homeownership program, they are building a brand-new home where their children can grow up with comfort and stability.

Before settling in Milwaukee, Hla Aye & Mee Mee lived in a refugee camp in Thailand. Their home was made of leaves and bamboo and their freedom was limited.

“Back in the refugee camp, you have to hide your money so the police don’t catch you,” Mee Mee said. 

Even now, in their current rental home in Milwaukee, they are presented with challenges. Issues with plumbing make daily routines difficult.

“Sometimes we don’t get to shower for two days because of the water issue,” Mee Mee said. “Just last month, we had to take showers at other people’s houses.”

Like many homes in Milwaukee, their rental is aging and in need of repairs. The city’s housing stock reflects its history. By 1920, Milwaukee’s population density had risen to approximately 18,000 people per square mile, making it the second most densely populated city after New York at the time. This rapid urban growth led to overcrowded living conditions and a shortage of affordable housing, prompting the construction of many homes. Many of those homes are still in use today, requiring costly repairs that make affordable, quality housing scarce (Source) / (Source).

That is one of the reasons why becoming a Milwaukee Habitat homeowner is so meaningful to Hla Aye & Mee Mee. With a newly built house, they will finally have stability and peace of mind.

“We are happy. We will have no need to worry about rent,” Mee Mee said. “We don’t want to move a lot and it will be better if we own our own house. And with new construction, there won’t be mold.”

Their children are just as thrilled, especially about having space of their own. 

“They are all happy,” Mee Mee said. “They all want their own rooms.”

As they prepare to move into their new home, Hla Aye & Mee Mee are planning something meaningful.

“We want to have a blessing done on our home,” Mee Mee said. 

In their new home, Hla Aye & Mee Mee will finally have the stability they have long hoped for and a place where their family can thrive.