Habitat Homeowner Marwa arrived in the United States at age 13 with her family, stepping into a completely new world. As a refugee with Eritrean and Sudanese roots, her early years in the U.S. were shaped by transition, resilience and her family’s determination to build a stable foundation.
They resettled in Greensboro, where she spent her teenage years and later attended UNC Greensboro. After graduating in 2022, she was ready to begin a new chapter. She found a job in Raleigh but could not afford to purchase a home in the area.
For two years, Marwa commuted daily while trying to save money and plan for her future. “I didn't have really a lot of options, so I just kept renewing my lease in Greensboro,” she said.
Marwa was already familiar with Habitat as a trusted resource within the refugee community, but she didn't think she would qualify for homeownership. Her supervisor, who had gone through the Habitat program, encouraged her to apply, and she was accepted.
What followed was a journey of both uncertainty and growth. Midway through the program, Marwa lost her job due to federal funding cuts. Despite the setback, she remained committed and completed the program in less than a year, closing on her home in August 2025.
Her home was built through the 2025 Home Builders Blitz by Triple A Homes and Upton & Co. The Blitz is an annual event that brings together local for-profit builders to build affordable homes in one week.
Now living in Raleigh, Marwa shares her home with her mother and sister. What once felt out of reach became that foundation for stability, allowing her to think about the future with more confidence.
“Looking back, doing the program when I did set me up for a much better outlook,” Marwa said. “Taking that instability off my plate let me fully focus on my dreams, my education, and my trajectory.”
This fall, Marwa will continue pursuing her education at Campbell Law, building on what she worked so hard to achieve and creating new opportunities for herself and her family.