Homeless to Homeowner

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Story Published: Sep 7, 2008 at 1:32 PM MDT

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 2:49 AM MDT

By Hasti Taghi

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IDAHO FALLS - With an unstable housing market... Many families find themselves unable to afford a home of their own
But today, one family got their very *first* home, thanks to Habitat for Humanity.
"We already have a home...now we have a house to put it in," says Joseph Drak, new homeowner.

Just 5 years ago the Drak family experienced some difficulty that left them homeless and in the Faith Transitional Family Housing. Since then the family has worked to build themselves back up ... eventually applying for a habitat for humanity house. Today the family was given the key to a new house and with it the hope of a new beginning.

"dedication day is always a celebration and there's always tears," says Melissa Burns, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity.

This day didn't come easy though... The family earned the house through sweat-equity. After over 400 hours of their own hard work...they now have a place to call home. A place to be together, grow and for 2 little girls......Rooms of their own.
Habitat for Humanity is the mortgage holder. The family will pay back about 400-dollars a month with zero interest. This ensures that the dream of home ownership is not too far out of reach for those in need.

"By giving them the opportunity to become homeowners...all other things become possible," says Burns.

For one family today... That possibility is to go from homeless to homeowner.

"i've known the drake family for 5 years so this is a really special day for me..seeing them grow and bloom and have a home of their own," says Burns.

"It's nice to know that we have a place to raise a family. A place for a future. A place to live the rest of our lives," says Drak.

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