Jallu Family Dedication

Loudoun Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce the dedication of their 55th home in Loudoun County on May 7, 2020. In keeping with social distancing guidance, Ayana and Maria were joined by their three children, ages 4 years, 3 years, and 1 month, and Maria’s sister during the private home dedication. Several of their new neighbors watched from their doorsteps or as they were walking by and cheered as Ayana cut the ribbon and opened the door to their new home.

The Jallu family applied to Loudoun Habitat for Humanity’s Home Ownership program in May 2019 and one year later are becoming homeowners of a beautiful three-bedroom townhome in Sterling, VA. Purchasing this home is a hand up, not a hand out, for Ayana and Maria who have been raising their family for the last couple of years in a one bedroom apartment in the basement of another family’s townhome. Their new home will finally give their children freedom to play and grow in their own space, with privacy of their own bedrooms, and a beautiful fenced in back yard where they can run and jump. This home is an answer to prayer and will give Ayana and Maria peace to know that their children have a safe place to live without some of the health and safety concerns that go with living in a basement.

The Jallu family found out that baby number three was coming shortly after being approved for Loudoun Habitat for Humanity’s Homeownership Program. This news gave them a sense of urgency to complete their partnership requirements. Ayana works in health care and Maria is in transportation and both worked extra hours, and adjusted their schedules, to attend homeownership classes, participate in financial mentoring, and work along side other Loudoun Habitat volunteers in the ReStore and several other construction and home repair projects before the pandemic hit. Ayana, Maria, and Maria’s brother helped build a wheelchair ramp for an elderly veteran, they helped build a shed and worked on other renovation tasks for another home renovation project. Maria said that when she started working on the construction site that she did not even know the names of the tools they were using. Now, she can cut wood and hammer it in place. Loudoun Habitat for Humanity’s Construction Manager said that Maria worked so hard even on the hottest days that he had to insist that she take breaks.

“We are so thankful for the work and details of Loudoun Habitat construction staff who were able to complete the work on our house during these times" Ayana and Maria shared. “We want everyone to know how much we appreciate the donors and volunteers who helped make it possible for us to purchase this home. Thank you to those that worked with us on the construction sites, and our family and friends who helped us in the process. Thank you for being a part of our success in becoming homeowners.”

To see more photos from this joyous day, please click here.