The Ali - Afridi family has partnered with Loudoun Habitat with enthusiasm, excitement, and eagerness for what the future holds. They are ready to plant roots in their community where they can experience the stability that will allow their children to pursue their dreams. Imran Ali shared “Purchasing a home with Loudoun Habitat will provide us financial stability where we can pay a stable monthly payment. It will also provide us enough space and privacy. When we get our own home, then we can make strong, good ties in the community.”

Last week, Loudoun Habitat for Humanity dedicated its 62nd home in Loudoun County. Ana and her adult daughter, Veronica, are the first mother/daughter duo to purchase a home through Loudoun Habitat for Humanity, a home that represents one of the Habitat for Humanity core values, the STABILITY of home.

Loudoun Habitat for Humanity Board Member, Josh Kane, and his wife Julie recently hosted a Pickball Tournament to support Loudoun Habitat.

Leesburg (July 8, 2021) - Renss Greene, Deputy Editor at Loudoun Now, publishes article “Loudouners Say What Housing Means to Them”, featuring Gia Brown. Gia and her family moved into their Habitat home 10 years ago and discuss how home ownership has affected their lives.

“Homeownership and this home changed my family for the better. I am able to make it on my own. I no longer struggle, my kids have learned stability, this is their childhood home and will continue to be part of our family. It is important to me that this home is handed down and taken care of for several generations,” she says.

After a long and challenging journey, the Bekele family found a place to call home. Earlier this week, Loudoun Habitat for Humanity dedicated its 59th home to Mekdes and her two children. The children cut the ribbon on the 3-bedroom Leesburg townhouse that will provide a stable and secure future for the Loudoun County family.

Leesburg (February 4, 2021) It was this time last year when Loudoun Habitat for Humanity staff was preparing to welcome over 550 guests to its annual fundraising event to raise roofs for Loudoun County residents in need of affordable housing. The March 7, 2020 gala went off without a hitch and was a wonderful, successful event for Loudoun Habitat. A week later, COVID shuttered businesses, schools, activities, and events throughout the county, state, and country. For many, the Raise the Roof Gala was the last time they were able to put on their dancing shoes to celebrate.

In the spring, Middleburg Life began to spotlight a local non-profit every month. “We’re happy to bring attention to these organizations doing great work in their area of expertise. Each of these non-profits takes donations and have volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved, so please consider them this season.”

Talk with the volunteers, staff and board of any Habitat for Humanity around the world and you will hear the same thing, dedications are the best part of the work we do. The day when a future homeowner receives the keys to their house, when they cross the threshold as new proud homeowner, well, it doesn’t get better then that for those of us involved in the Habitat mission.

Here are the stories of four hard-working families, that with the support of Habitat volunteers and donors, are experiencing the stability and self reliance that homeownership brings, lasting long after the dedication and for many years yet to come.

Loudoun Habitat for Humanity recently dedicated homes for two families in the same week through its Homeownership Program.

The Schwartz Family got the keys to their new home in Lovettsville, and the Solares family were welcomed home in Leesburg.

“As a county employee, my job is to assist others with looking for resources to help people get where they need to be,” Sarah Schwartz said.“Being able to tell my children that we were buying a home and telling them about the Habitat for Humanity program was amazing.”

Loudoun Habitat for Humanity has been at work for 27 years partnering with homeowners based on a homeownership model that focuses on a need for a safe, stable home, a willingness to partner through what the nonprofit calls “sweat equity,” and the ability to pay an affordable mortgage.

“This is where Loudoun Habitat for Humanity picks up the baton. Their programs offer a “hand up” not a “hand out.” Participating families qualify to participate by demonstrating that they are and will continue to be contributors to their community. They must meet several established guidelines including work stability, credit history, and volunteer work among other requirements.”

“Loudoun is very different from other places,” says Kari Murphy, director of resource development for Loudoun Habitat, “We have more of an urban landscape to the east…and then you go further west and south and it’s gorgeous rural communities.”

Two of the most common housing problems in Loudoun are overcrowding and constant relocation. “We may have three to four couples or families sharing a townhouse just to afford housing,” says Murphy, or “find that families are moving many times just to find rents that are affordable.”

“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,” the Jallus stated.  “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 youth 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.”