Abdelhaq works at a local bakery, and like many service-industry employees, he’s watched housing costs rise far faster than wages. The chance to secure an affordable mortgage and a stable future brings deep peace of mind as he and his wife, Malika, look toward the years to come.
Walking beside them every step of the way is their daughter, Bouchra, who has been her parents’ biggest advocate throughout the journey.
“My daughter found this program,” Abdelhaq said, reflecting on what led their family to Habitat Wake.
Bouchra lives in Clayton and was dedicated to finding a pathway to homeownership for her parents. She has helped them navigate the application process and complete their construction hours. Now, as they near the final stages, the three of them (plus her youngest son!) have begun touring the homes they qualify for. On this day, they walked through one of Habitat Wake’s Johnston County neighborhoods, imagining what life could look like there.
“This neighborhood is so close to my house, and I want them close,” Bouchra said. “I always want them to be safe and have stability, and that’s what started this whole process.”
Noor, a member of Habitat Wake’s Homebuyer Support team, said the family’s story reflects the heart of the program. “It’s just so nice,” she said. “It’s Mom and Dad buying a house, but so much of this story is their daughter helping out and just showing how deeply the family supports one another.”
Walking through the homes, it was easy to envision a future full of family gatherings and holiday traditions.
“Ramadan, Eid Adha… all the holidays will be amazing in a home,” Bouchra said. “We have extravagant meals and make cookies together. We are our only family close by so we make the most of those times"
This story of intergenerational love and support is the kind we love to see here at Habitat Wake. Without their daughter, it might have been easy for Abdelhaq and his wife to miss out on a resource that is leading them to homeownership.
At Habitat Wake we truly believe that everyone deserves an affordable place to live. If you or someone you know might qualify for a Habitat Wake home, consider being the encouragement they need to begin their own journey. Learn more at www.habitatwake.org/apply.