Barry and Fatimatu came to the US in 2007 to escape war in their neighboring country Sierra Leon. They each worked hard to support their family and obtain an education – often taking jobs at fast food chains.
“I worked overnight and went to college for nursing,” Barry explained. “Hard work is the key to success.”
For a long time, their four kids shared a single bedroom in a rented apartment. And now that they’ve received the keys to their Habitat house, their lives are changing for the better![mk_image src=”https://habitattucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/pete-and-family_0120.jpg” image_size=”full” frame_style=”rounded”]
“For us a home means freedom. A home means independence.”
Barry and Fatimatu completed over 500 hours of sweat equity, attended financial classes, and really enjoyed the working alongside their community to build their future home.
“The construction is wonderful. You go to this place and you see these people – retired people, people who have all these kind of experiences – you see them there working. It makes you feel good. Men and women doing the same work. All races. All doing the same thing,” said Barry. “On the job site, you can’t tell a difference.”[mk_image src=”https://habitattucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5675.jpg” image_size=”full” frame_style=”rounded”]For this family, homeownership is the key to true self-reliance and the next step to greater independence. It will allow their children to pursue their education, which has been a big priority for Barry and Fatimatu. They look forward to raising their children in a safe and stable home that will give them the foundation they need to thrive as students.
“Education paves the way for opportunity,” says Barry. “I want my children to have access to the best education possible. That is why we have worked so hard to gain our own education and purchase a home. We want our children to become the best they can be.”[mk_image src=”https://habitattucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/smile-front-door_0008forfb.jpg” image_size=”medium”][mk_image src=”https://habitattucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/almost-ribbon-cutting_0084c.jpg” image_size=”medium”]We need your help! Unlock a family’s future by supporting Habitat Tucson today. [mk_image src=”https://habitattucson.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/tagline_ssss.png” image_size=”full”]