Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

While most kids his age were worrying about getting good grades or making the local soccer team Asmeron Ghebrekrustos grew up in the midst of civil war between his native land of Eritrea and neighboring Ethiopia.  After witnessing a friend killed by supposed friendly fire and assuming care of various ailing family members, Asmeron was forced to grow up quickly.

“Waking up in the morning to gunshots was no way to grow up,” said Asmeron.  “As I got older I started to realize the only way I’d be assured safety would be to leave the country.”

Although the thought of leaving his family for an attempt at freedom was worrisome, Asmeron knew if he wanted to improve his life he must take the chance.  In February of 1982 he set out for Sudan to escape the political chaos and attempt immigration to the United States.  Upon arrival Asmeron was notified that he was one of half a million refugees with the same idea.  By November of that year, however, he had moved to Minneapolis and was living in a place where he finally felt safe.

After working in this country for over a decade and eventually becoming a citizen in 1988, Asmeron returned home to visit family in Eritrea in late 1995.  An unexpected but pleasant surprise awaited him back home as his parents had arranged for him to be married.  Asmeron wed Luchia Hibtizghi during that three month stay in his native land.

“Although I didn’t know anything about the marriage I was excited about the idea because I was getting very lonely,” said Asmeron.  “I knew it was now my job to do anything I could to ensure that Luchia would be coming to the United States.” 

The next eight years brought many changes.  Luchia immigrated to the United States, the couple had three children, and Asmeron’s mother Ziman moved in with the family.  The two-bedroom apartment that had once been home to Asmeron alone now housed six people.  The living conditions were unsuitable.  Mold-stained carpets, rodent infestations, and plumbing system backups were just a few of the things they endured.

“Every time I would try to contact our landlord about the problems we were having he would never respond,” said Asmeron.  “Ten years I lived in that apartment and not once did the carpets get cleaned as our landlord had promised.”

Although it was always Asmeron’s intention to provide his family with a decent place to live, being the only employed family member didn’t allow them that option.  One day a friend suggested he check with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity to see if they could be of any help.  After going through the application process twice the Ghebrekrustos family finally received good news.  After finishing their 400 sweat equity hours a home was designated for them in Savage and would be ready to move into in late December of 2006.

“Although it’s been a busy two weeks moving, we are so grateful to have all this wonderful space for my family,” said Asmeron.  “I intend at some point give back to Habitat by helping build a house for someone else in need.”

Contributed by Patrick Dunn