Merhawi and Mliete beam with pride as they share how their future Habitat home will change their lives. Moving into their new home in 2025 will be the last step of a journey that has lasted over a decade.
The couple left Eritrea in 2012, seeking safety in Israel. They dreamed of owning a home in Canada—a safe and secure place to raise their children. Once they were safe in Israel, Merhawi worked in landscaping, while Mliete took a position at a seniors' facility. They both worked hard, saving as much as they could for their eventual move. In 2021, they were sponsored by Canadian family members and made their way to Calgary.
Since arriving in Canada, Merhawi has maintained steady employment, allowing Mliete to stay home with the children and improve her English, with hopes of returning to work with seniors. Their children now aged 10, seven, and four, keep their parents busy with visits to parks, swimming lessons, soccer and bike rides.
The family had to move twice in two years before finding their current rental, because their previous homes were either sold or became unaffordable due to rent increases. In their current rental, they share the space with a basement tenant, making it difficult for the children to play freely while maintaining a quiet environment for their downstairs neighbor.
Merhawi is eager for the change their Habitat home will bring:
“It will be better; they will be free. They can play, they can study, and they can grow up together. It will be so different,”
The family has lived in their current rental for over a year and a half, facing rent increases that threaten their financial stability. Merhawi shared, “Last year we were paying $1,800 a month; this year, $2,000. Next year, who knows?”
When they move into their Habitat home, they’ll benefit from the unique mortgage model, which will provide them with greater financial stability through payments customized for the family income.
Merhawi first learned about Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership program from a lifelong friend whose parents are also Habitat homeowners. The friend recommended that Merhawi and Mliete apply after discussing the challenges of saving for a down payment on a home.
After taking the time to apply, the family was selected and approved to partner with Habitat. Reflecting on the moment he received the life-changing call confirming the approval, Merhawi sums up the family's feelings: “Happy.”
Though they won’t move in until 2025, their excitement is palpable. They’ve already started purchasing furniture and imagining how they’ll decorate their new home.
As the first snow of fall approaches, Merhawi and his family reflect on their first Canadian winter. “We asked people what it was like. It was so different coming from a hot place. The kids did not like the cold,” laughs Merhawi. But over time, they’ve adapted, and now Merhawi says, “I enjoy winter more than summer. I like the snow.”
After more than a decade of pursuing their dream, the family will finally take their first steps into homeownership next year. For Merhawi and Mliete, it means giving their children a place where they can play, learn, and grow. And for themselves, it means building a stable, fulfilling life in Canada—a dream come true.