Sami wasn’t expecting to feel so connected so quickly. But from the moment he began the journey to homeownership through Habitat for Humanity, community became a cornerstone of his experience. At Habitat’s Mountain View Homes in Aurora, neighbors turned into friends—and dinners, playdates, and shared stories became part of everyday life.
“We get together often,” Sami says. “Our kids play together, and we all get along. It feels like home.”
Five years ago, Sami, his wife Dihia, and his mother Sadia moved to Denver from Algeria. They spent years in cramped two-bedroom apartments with unreliable heating and cooling—and never enough parking. A friend living in a Habitat home introduced Sami to the affordable homeownership program. As a commercial truck driver, Sami qualified for the program, which supports families earning less than 80% of the area median income.
“This home brings us stability
and security.”
– Sami, Habitat homeowner
At first, Sami was unsure about the volunteer hours required. But those hours became a gateway to connection. “I helped build the house next door,” he shares. “I installed the bathtub, the windows, even worked on the basement. I’d never built anything before, but everyone was so encouraging.”
Today, Sami and Dihia live in a three-bedroom duplex with their 3-year-old son Liyan and Sami’s mother. The difference is night and day. Their home has new appliances, a reliable furnace and AC, a fenced backyard for Liyan to play, and even a garage. Across the street, a park adds to the sense of space and peace.
Dihia especially loves the back patio, where she enjoys coffee while watching Liyan play safely. She’s thrilled to have a washer and dryer at home—no more laundromat trips—and a spacious kitchen where she can cook and dream up plans for next year’s vegetable garden.
Habitat’s homeownership classes helped Sami feel ready for this new chapter, covering everything from budgeting to home maintenance. And the support didn’t stop there—neighbors continue to be a source of knowledge and camaraderie.
“This home brings us stability and security,” Sami says. “We’re surrounded by good people. We’re building a future here.”
