David and his family currently live in an apartment that is plagued by mold and vulnerable to security threats. They have a number of doors and windows that don’t lock. And their neighborhood isn’t safe. For the family of five, it is not an ideal place to live and thrive.
David and his wife Achol have three children, a 5-year-old daughter, and two sons — a 2-year-old and a 5-month-old. David currently works at La Frontera, a treatment center for children, youth and adults in Pima County who struggle with mental illness and substance abuse.
“We’ve been trying to get a home — working all the time,” he said. “We need a place to live.”
David’s family has moved over six different times, including fleeing war in his home country, Sudan. David is looking forward to having a stable place to call home. His children are especially excited to experience what it will be like to have more room to play and have fun.
“Where we are living right now is very limited on space. And what I know in my mind right now is that I won’t be moving around anymore,” David said. “When I settle in one place, kind of don’t want to move that much.”
David and his wife know that owning a home will come with new responsibilities, but that they appreciate the opportunity that has been given to them for a new start. In addition, they are enjoying their time working with Habitat Tucson staff and volunteers on job sites.
“Construction was something I never thought about,” he said. “That is an interesting experience.”
David said that home means what you are and what you represent. Home is something that is yours forever. He added that it will be the place where he and his wife will be able to raise their family.
“We appreciate being selected,” he said. “Habitat is a wonderful program. Habitat works with you and commits to building.”