Cece is the cornerstone of her community
Written by Wendi Frith Cece is the cornerstone of her community. And it just so happens that her community is Cornerstone Condominiums. When residents first moved into the Aloha neighborhood 25 years ago, Cece’s neighbors quickly recognized her as a doer. They elected Cece as the HOA’s first president. When her three-year term ended and it was time to elect a new president, her neighbors told her to keep doing it. “Nobody wanted it,” she laughs. She was good at it, […]
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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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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 Hillsboro home took shape, their 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 our future,” she told […]
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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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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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From homeless to homeowner: Alex’s story
Alex holds her cat in a warm, sunlight living room, surrounded by bright green plants in a clean home. These two have been through a lot together: from homeless to homeowner, and everything in between. Alex moved into her Habitat home at the start of April, but she’s already settled in. There’s not a moving […]
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Cinnamon finds the spice of life in her new Habitat home
Habitat homeowner Cinnamon has a knack for decoration. Whether she’s putting the final touches on a cake or styling an outfit, she does it all with an artist’s mind. Now she gets to put her art into decorating her very own home. “I want bright, I want different,” Cinnamon said. “Anything that comes with art, […]
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Homeownership “a dream come true” for Nancy and family
Most people start off the new year writing down their goals and aspirations until the next January rolls around. But Habitat homeowner Nancy began 2024 having already accomplished her lifelong dream – buying her own home. “It’s a dream come true; I never thought in my life I would have a home,” Nancy said. “My […]
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After a long journey, Ellen and sons find comfort and safety in their Habitat home
Ellen stands at her Ninja blender in her kitchen, preparing smoothies for herself and her sons as she does every morning. She knows pretty much everything there is to know about smoothies; various recipes are taped to the insides of her cupboards, and her freezer is filled with frozen berries and vegetables. For Ellen’s family, smoothies are a lot […]
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The stability of homeownership allows Pamir to be fully present for his family
Almost two years to the day he moved in, Pamir sat in his Habitat home reflecting on the life he had built for his family over the past eight years in America. He built it not only through working hard and finding a supportive community, but quite literally with his hands. He helped build the […]
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