Najmuddiin and Sartuu’s journey to owning their own home in Calgary has been defined by resilience, hope, and the pursuit of stability for their family.
Originally from Ethiopia, they spent four years in Kenya before moving to Calgary nearly five years ago. Choosing Calgary wasn’t just about starting over; it was about reconnecting with family. With Sartuu’s brother and sister, along with Najmuddiin’s uncle and cousin already living in the city, they were welcomed into a community of familiar faces.
For fun, the family enjoys spending time with friends and exploring the city together. They often visit parks, simply enjoying their time as a family. Najmuddiin loves playing sports with the kids—Yasir is especially into basketball right now, while Bahiya either follows him around, jumps into a game of football, or plays with toys alongside little sister Habiba.
When she’s not busy with the kids, Sartuu enjoys visiting friends and spending time in their homes. She has also cultivated a love of reading with her children, especially with Yasir, who shares her interest in books.
Najmuddiin works at a local meat processing plant, a job he takes great pride in. His reliability and willingness to help wherever needed have made him a valuable employee. Sartuu is a stay-at-home mom, dedicating her time to raising their children and managing their household.
Currently, the family lives in a subsidized housing unit through Calgary Housing. Despite having a roof over their heads, they don’t feel entirely secure. The area they live in has a high crime rate, which they find unsettling, especially when it comes to the safety of their children.
“The neighbours are good... but the area is unsafe, so very unsafe. I want a better future for my kids.”
Najumuddiin and Sartuu's family currently live in subsidized housing in an unsafe neighbourhood. They dream of the day their kids will have the freedom to safely play outside.
The family also faces challenges with their home being in constant need of repairs, which has made them yearn for a stable and secure living environment. In the five years they’ve lived in Calgary, Najmuddiin and Sartuu have moved three times. The instability has made it difficult for their children to settle into long-term friendships and feel part of a community.
“One place, two place, and then again..moving with kids is very difficult.”
This constant uprooting led them to seek a permanent home where they could put down roots and give their kids the stability they need. That dream began to take shape when a close friend, Abdul—also a Habitat homeowner—introduced them to the program.
Abdul played a key role in guiding the family toward homeownership. He introduced Najmuddiin and Sartuu to Habitat’s affordable homeownership program and shared his own positive experience.
Learning how the program could offer them a safe, stable home—without the financial strain of high interest rates or a large down payment—gave them hope. Encouraged by Abdul’s experience, they decided to apply, eager for the chance to provide their family with the security they had been searching for.
Najmuddiin and Sartuu buzz with excitement any chance they get to talk about becoming homeowners!
For Najmuddiin and Sartuu, owning their own home represents more than just a place to live. It’s the chance to stay in one location, in a safe neighborhood, where their children can play outside, walk home from school, and grow up in a stable environment.
It’s also an opportunity to save money and ensure their children receive a good education. Most importantly, it’s a chance to provide their family with the stability they’ve always dreamed of.
