Mwaliasha’s and story is one of resilience, hope, and determination. Originally from Tanzania, she and her husband relocated to Tucson, Arizona, in search of a better life. “We’ve been here for eight years,” she reflects, “and we are so grateful for what we have now, but it hasn’t always been easy.”
Living as refugees was not without its challenges. Mwaliasha recalls the hardships of their early years in the United States, often living in cramped conditions that were far from ideal. They are living with their loving family of five kids, ages 8 months to 6 years old, in a 2-bedroom apartment.
“We were living in a two-bedroom apartment with too many people,” she says. “It was difficult, and in 2020, they told us to move without any real plans for our future. It felt like we were constantly being pushed out.”
Despite these struggles, Mwaliasha remained hopeful. She worked tirelessly, juggling multiple responsibilities, including caring for her children and maintaining her job at a local hotel chain, where she has worked for five years. “I do laundry there. I like my job,” she says. But the dream of a stable home for her family was always at the forefront of her mind.
The path to homeownership, however, was not an easy one. Mwaliasha first heard about Habitat for Humanity through her mother-in-law, and despite applying multiple times, she faced several setbacks. “I tried three times,” she shares. “In 2019, my husband applied but we didn’t qualify. Then, I tried again in 2022, and we still didn’t qualify. But I kept praying, asking God for guidance.”
Her persistence paid off. In time, Mwaliasha and her family were finally approved for the Habitat for Humanity program, and their dream of owning a home began to take shape. “It means a lot to me,” she says, visibly moved. “We’ve been through so much, and now we can finally have a place to call our own. I won’t have to live in fear of being told to move anymore.”
Mwaliasha’s journey through the Habitat program has been demanding but rewarding. She has been working hard to complete her sweat equity, “It’s been tough,” she admits. “I work hard every day—at my job, at home, and here. But I know it’s worth it.”
Her excitement about the future is palpable. “I’m most excited about having a stable place to live,” she says, with a smile. “I won’t be scared anymore. This is our home, and we will have a backyard where my kids can play safely.” As she nears the final stages of the Habitat program, Mwaliasha reflects on what “home” means to her. “Safety,” she says simply. “Home is safety for me and my family.” The idea of security, not just in a physical sense but in the peace of mind that comes with knowing her family is settled, is what drives her every day. The road to homeownership has not been easy, but Mwaliasha’s perseverance, faith, and unwavering dedication have brought her family closer to a future filled with promise. “I thank God for this opportunity,” she says, her eyes shining with gratitude. “We’re almost there, and it’s going to change everything for us.”