Sasha’s Emotional Journey To Homeownership
Sasha’s emotional journey to become a first-time homeowner came to a conclusion in the Harambee neighborhood this month. As snow fell around Sasha and her family, a group of volunteers, friends and supporters joined together outside her newly constructed home. With giant scissors in hand, Sasha cut the welcome ribbon to a space she could truly call her own. As the ribbon was cut, the crowd broke out in cheers – Sasha glowing with pride and joy.
After cutting the ribbon, Sasha shared about her journey to homeownership. She is the first person in her family to become a homeowner. It’s a dream she’s had since she was young. When asked what this moment meant to finally achieve that dream, tears welled up in Sasha’s eyes.
“I came from nothing,” Sasha said. “My mom died when I was very young. She always wanted to own a home.”
Watch Sasha’s heart-warming reaction to becoming a first-time homebuyer.
Sasha not only is the first in her family to become a homeowner, but the first of many Habitat homeowners who will be moving into the Harambee neighborhood over the next several months.
After previously being dotted with empty lots, Sasha’s block is now lined with brand new Habitat homes. Her future neighbors, just like her, achieving the dream of becoming first time homeowners.
Sasha sees homeownership as a means to create stability and generational wealth for her four children: Amir, Samir, Timir & LaTricia. U.S. homeowners have an average net wealth that is 400% higher than that of renters with similar demographics and earnings.
“This opens the opportunity for me to give them financial stability for the future,” she says. “I want to look back in a rocking chair and say I raised three generations in this home.”