Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

Simple childhood joys like riding bikes to the neghborhood pool, camping out in the backyard and taking the dog for a walk were things Shukri Jama and Ali Farah’s children never thought they’d experience.  Living in a two bedroom apartment with a family of six, their kids didn’t have a place to play and very little privacy.  Moreover the neighborhood where they lived was becoming increasingly crime ridden with family members witnessing everything from drug deals to beatings. 

“That cramped apartment was no place to be raising four young kids,” said Shukri.  “We would rarely leave the house after dark because of the crime taking place outside.” 

The Somali natives left their war torn country in 2000 in pursuit of a life not controlled by fear.  These deteriorating living conditions were not exactly what Shukri had envisioned for his family, but that’s what he was faced with. Although it was always Shukri's intention to provide his family with a decent place to live, being the only employed family member didn’t allow him 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 family finally received good news. After finishing their 400 sweat equity hours a home was designated for them at the Ripley Gardens development in north Minneapolis. 

Working alongside Habitat for Humanity volunteers, Shukri learned how to fix minor problems on his house when he moves in.  “Before I completed the sweat equity, I didn’t have any experience fixing houses,” he recalls. Now he’s confident he can manage most minor repairs by himself.

The future of his family has suddenly gotten brighter. With more space, the children are free to be outdoors or indoors and no one feels crowded.  In addition Shukri can now work on earning a college degree and continue to better the lives of his family members.  The family as a whole can now focus on friendship and community instead of fear.

“This home has brought great joy to our entire family,” said Shukri.  “We can now host family gatherings and have the space to raise our children appropriately.”