When Aisha Osman was in elementary school, her large family moved into their Habitat for Humanity home in Vance Place, Beaverton. What seemed like a simple move would become the foundation for extraordinary achievements—and dreams that stretch from Portland to Somalia.
For Aisha’s family, their Habitat home wasn’t just a house, it was a steady foundation that allowed them to focus on education, grow roots in a caring community, and imagine a future full of possibilities.
A Foundation for Success
“For me, home has always been my safe and welcoming place,” says Aisha, now 24 and a recent Portland State University graduate. “It’s where I can be with my very big family, build community, study, and prepare for the big life journey I’m on.”
That journey has already taken remarkable turns. As a freshman at Aloha High School, Aisha wrote a letter to President Barack Obama, sharing her experience as a Black Muslim American and detailing her mom’s experience in Somalia and her journey to America to provide better opportunities for her future children.
“I heard the president would read a few letters a night, so I thought I’d share my family’s experience.” Not only did the President read her letter—she was invited to meet him and introduce him at the White House Eid Reception. “Wow, I guess he does read the letters!” Aisha laughs.
Moments like this, she reflects, were possible because of her past experiences, and she had a safe, stable place where she could dream big, and take bold steps forward.
Education is a Family Value
Education runs deep in the Osman family. Aisha is one of five sisters who all attended Aloha High School (one still in high school) and three now at Portland State University where Aisha graduated. She recently earned her bachelor’s degree in political science with minors in Spanish and Black Studies, and is now preparing for law school applications for fall 2026.
“My family values education so much. My dad stresses that constantly—he really wants us to make the most of what we have,” Aisha explains. “My mom didn’t have that opportunity, so I feel like I got my education on her behalf as well.”
The stability of their Habitat home has been crucial to these academic achievements. “Now I’m grateful because there’s more security. I don’t have to worry about housing,” she says. “I’m not stressed about having to contribute to rent costs. I can put my funds toward other important things. It’s a blessing to have a roof over my head. I don’t take that for granted.”
Home as Community Hub
Besides valuing education, Aisha’s dad also insists, “Be kind to everyone. Especially our neighbors.” And that value is lived both in the Osman home and their Vance Place community.
The Osman home continues to serve as a gathering place for their blended family of 10 children. Currently, six family members live in the house, with Aisha helping care for her younger sister and supporting her father through some health challenges.
“It’s always been a welcoming place for our giant family to come and go,” she says. “We’re in a Habitat community, and we really feel that community spirit. It’s been such a tight-knit neighborhood. We used to run around and play on the playground together—all the kids would play together. We still stay in touch through social media.”
Dreams Beyond Borders
After completing law school, Aisha has ambitious plans. “I’d like to work in the US for a bit, but ultimately go to Somalia to help impact my people in a meaningful way,” she says. Her recent pilgrimage to Mecca and time working at a top university in Morocco as a Presidential Intern have only strengthened her connection to her heritage and her desire to give back.
“Umrah (a voluntary pilgrimage to Mecca) was a really fulfilling experience. I was in the moment the whole time and able to connect with God. I am so thankful to experience this pilgrimage with my family.”
But for now, she’s focused on the next step: acing the LSAT and preparing for law school, all while living in the Habitat home that has been her constant foundation.
“I know that people are stressing out about housing security. Rent is going up, and even surviving is becoming difficult,” Aisha reflects. “Having this security has allowed me to focus on my education and my dreams instead of worrying about where I’ll live.”
The Need in Our Community
In our region, the average rent for a three-bedroom apartment is $2,700 a month—a cost far out of reach for many working families. That kind of housing burden forces parents to make impossible choices between rent and essentials like food, childcare, or savings.
Years of underbuilding have only made the problem worse, driving up costs and leaving too many families without a stable place to call home. Building and selling affordable homes is one way we can open the door to greater opportunity, so children can focus on learning, parents can save for the future, and families can build stability.
For Aisha’s family, that opportunity meant growing up in a home where she could focus on school, nurture her dreams, and step confidently into her future.
Help Frame a Future of possibilities for our children
Aisha’s journey is just one example of how affordable homeownership can transform lives. Through our Frame a Future campaign, we aim to raise $460,000 to frame 23 homes, creating stability and opportunity for more than 100 people, including 60 children, right here in our community.
Join us with a gift to help build affordable homes, create brighter futures for families, and strengthen our community for generations..
Donate to double your impact
Thanks to a generous match from Tom and Noelle Mehlhorn, every dollar you give will be matched—up to $101,000. That means twice the homes, twice the hope.
