Peaceful life

“My life in the old house was incomparable with the new life I started in the new house. The old shack was not considered as a home; it was just to stay day and night under a shade. I covered the leaking with plastic and the wall was collapsing. I started new season with my children,” Sofia said.  Sofia Sultan lives in Lideta Sub-city of Addis Ababa with her eight children. She moved to Addis Ababa10 years ago from a town called Sokoru. Ever since she came to Addis Ababa, Sofia stayed in partially burnt shack assembled near sewer line. She depends on alms from other people to support her family.

                                                            Selected to be home owner

“I was dreaming desperately to have at least a place I call a home for myself and my children. I could not believe when Habitat staff and government representatives told me I was one of the people for whom a new house would be constructed,” Sofia said.

About 60% of the residents of Addis Ababa live in slum areas in substandard houses without access to adequate sanitation and safe water. Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia, through Urban Slum Upgrading Project, is working to assist families to move to decent houses with improved sanitation and water facilities. Sofia mentioned that she feels dignified since she moved to the new house. Now, she concentrates on how to get income and raise her children. She speaks loudly how a home makes a difference in life.

“Living in old and unclean house had been my headache in Addis Ababa and even in my hometown. I had been suffering for many years in unsafe houses,” she added.

God bless Habitat

“I am very grateful for Habitat and the volunteers who built my house and help me to lead peaceful life. May the Lord grant you and your family peaceful life as you helped us to rest in a clean house,” Sofia offered blessings with joy. More stories