Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles (Habitat LA) believes homeownership empowers and provides the foundation to build strength, stability and self-reliance needed for a better future. Families and individuals are carefully selected for each house we build or rehabilitate. Selection is non-discriminatory; race, color, ethnic origin, gender identity, religion, sex and family composition are not factors. Meet four of our current homeowners who are safer at home during the COVID-19 global pandemic and have the comfort of neighbors, who too are Habitat LA homeowners.
Celebrating one year of homeownership
Becoming Habitat LA homeowners in Culver City last August 2019, the Park and Powell families share a bond far greater than most neighbors. The two families have worked up to 500 sweat equity hours each, building theirs and their neighbor’s home.
The Park family immigrated to the United States in 2009 from South Korea in search of a better life. When their son, Sungyool, and daughter, Soyoun, were teenagers, their parents, Jae Neung and Younjin, moved into the living room of their two-bedroom apartment so both children could have their own rooms where they could study and have the opportunity to do their best in school. Now, their three-bedroom Habitat home has the space they can each call their own.
“Getting involved with Habitat was a major turning point in our lives,” said Jae Neung, Habitat LA Partner Homeowner.
Jemeel and Lauri Powell and their three children, Leena, Evan, and Emma, lived in a two-bedroom apartment in Culver City to remain in the community instead of moving away and uprooting their children from their schools.
“Our experience working alongside the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles staff has been nothing short of exceptional,” said Jemeel Powell, Habitat LA Partner Homeowner.
Read more about the Park and Powell families’ journey to homeownership here.
New year, new home, new start for deserving families
Neighbors and Habitat LA homeowners, the Figueroa and Harper families, became homeowners in February 2020 in Los Angeles. Two strong single mothers, Marcela Figueroa and Sharice Harper, have both worked hard to provide safe and stable homes for their sons.
“I prayed for this opportunity and waited patiently for the Lord’s perfect timing.” Marcela, Habitat LA partner homeowner.
Marcela Figueroa and her two sons, Alexandro (22) and Zachary (19) are so grateful for the opportunity to become new Habitat LA homeowners. For Marcela, being a homeowner allows her to provide a safe and private home for her sons and to save money because of Habitat LA’s affordable mortgage.
Sharice, Habitat LA partner homeowner, has worked hard to teach her son, Zahvier (7) the importance of community involvement and credits partnering with Habitat LA as the perfect example and a blessing for her family.
“Owning a home means everything to me…stability and security, and I will be able to demonstrate a positive living environment for my son,” said Sharice.
See the emotional video of the moment both families’ were surprised with the announcement they were selected as Habitat homeowners here!
To learn more about how to become a Habitat LA partner, click here.