Daring to dream: Stephanie’s homeownership journey
Stephanie is celebrating one year of homeownership this May. This lifelong goal took years of dedication and preparation; now, she relishes every day in her home. Like many people in their thirties, Stephanie didn’t know if finding a permanent place to call home would even be possible given record high home prices. In 2022, Stephanie was out of college, established in her career as a preschool teacher, and looking for her next step. Never one to shy away from a challenge, she decided to believe in […]
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Trudie’s new roof brings new possibilities
For more than 50 years, Trudie has called Southwest Portland home. She moved here in January 1970 from Rotterdam, the second-largest city in the Netherlands. Over the decades, Trudie built a life and memories filled with family and friends. Her home is where her grandchildren play with salamanders in the backyard down by the creek. It’s where she enjoys quiet mornings with her best friend, Gus, a […]
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Writing her new chapter
A year ago, Duffy was dreaming of the peace she and her children would soon find in their new Habitat home. Volunteering alongside neighbors, her excitement grew with her construction skills. As her family’s home at Century Commons took shape, Duffy and her family’s future came into view. Her kids had already picked out their rooms, and Duffy felt hopeful. “I feel like there’s a lot of peace in […]
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Rooted in community: Renatta’s story
Habitat homeowner Renatta has put deep roots down in her community. As she celebrates her two-year homeownership anniversary, her lovingly decorated home tells the story of how much can change in 730 days. Growing up, she moved every two years — a habit she says followed her into adulthood. Now, she is building her long-term home. “This is the first […]
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Critical repair restores bathroom and safety for Sandra
Sandra bought her southeast Portland home 24 years ago. She wanted a forever home, so she worked hard to make it happen. Working two jobs and selling her extra things, Sandra was able to buy a home for herself and her children to grow in. “When I was looking at a house to buy, I was thinking of […]
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Housing with heart: Valencia’s journey from homeownership counselor to homeowner
Valencia was 15 years old when her father bought their family’s first home. That moment has shaped her entire life. “When it happened, it really created hope in me that I could possibly buy a house one day,” she says. Today, breaking down barriers to homeownership is her mission. Valencia is a homeownership counselor with Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) and […]
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Rachael’s dream come true in King City
Rachael has always loved fairy tales. She even named her three daughters — Anastasia, 13, Aurora, 12, and Evangeline, 10 — after Disney characters. When she moved her family into their new Habitat home this August, it felt like her own magic moment. Growing up, Rachael always noticed the ‘King City’ sign on the drive to […]
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Building a future on her own terms
Sawdust fills the air and nail guns echo off the walls of the newest homes under construction at West Lake Grove on a bright afternoon in Lake Oswego. Eight Habitat homebuyers took part in a community build in October, as a way to meet their neighbors and learn new skills. From photos, it may be […]
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From renting to roots: Rachel’s homeownership journey
Written by Karen Werstein For Rachel, everything starts with family. She treats everyone close to her like family — and that’s exactly how she says Habitat for Humanity has treated her too. Rachel spent most of her life in California, surrounded by loved ones. When her brother’s family moved to Eugene, Oregon in 2014, the […]
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From contractions to construction: Mohammad and Fatuma’s Habitat journey
Written by Karen Werstein Some dreams begin in the most unexpected places. For Mohammad and Fatuma, their journey to homeownership started in a hospital room—completing their Habitat for Humanity application between contractions. Just two hours after submitting their paperwork, baby Safwan arrived, making them a family of four with hope for a home of their […]
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