Every Family has a Story: Habitat Build 2023

Meet Carmen and Josephine. This mother and daughter will soon become Habitat

homeowners together. Josephine (mother) works at the University of Cincinnati. Carmen (daughter) has two daughters of her own. The youngest, Kamya (17), lives in the household and enjoys doing hair. Carmen describes her family as outgoing. They like to have fun together talking and really enjoy dancing.

Carmen and Josephine applied for

Habitat for Humanity’s affordable homeownership program because of their inadequate housing situation. The family lives in a one-bedroom apartment, with serious maintenance and safety issues that have gone unresolved by the landlord. The family is crowded without

enough space.

“I am building because my family and I need a safe haven,”

- Carmen.

The family says that when they got the call that they were accepted into the program, it felt like a dream. Carmen says she is most looking forward to living in a clean safe environment. She is excited for her family to have dinner together in their new home.

“To me, homeownership means a lot. It means owning your home and the upkeep. It is something to leave to your children,” says Carmen. "Habitat for Humanity is an answer to my prayers.”

On June 10th, St. Barnabas and the Eastside Coalition of Churches assisted in the beginning stages of building the house at 1315 Carolina Avenue in Cincinnati and provided lunch for all the volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about Habitat for Humanity and how to participate in future volunteer opportunities, reach out to John Nolan.

Here are some pictures of the build and amazing volunteers: