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Mother of 8 Gets First Home Through Habitat Project

David Yang
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May 11, 2026

family home happiness community housing support

Habitat for Humanity Build Changes Family’s Future

A Roanoke, Virginia mother raising eight children is now one step closer to owning her first permanent home after a major Habitat for Humanity community build this week.

The project, organized through WSLS and Habitat for Humanity of the Roanoke Valley, held a wall-raising ceremony for Divine Hakizimana and her children on May 8. The family, who have spent years moving between rental properties, will soon have a stable home designed to support long-term family security and emotional wellbeing.

Hakizimana moved to the United States in 2006 after leaving a war-affected region in Africa. She has worked for years while raising six daughters and two sons. According to local reports, the family currently lives in a crowded four-bedroom rental where several children share rooms.

“It’s the chance for me to fulfill a lifelong dream,” Hakizimana said during the event.

The home is part of WSLS’s 12th annual “Home for Good” partnership with Habitat for Humanity, a program focused on helping working families achieve stable housing.

Why Stable Housing Matters for Families

The story has gained attention across the United States because it connects directly to growing concerns about housing insecurity, emotional health, and family stability.

Experts continue to link safe housing with stronger mental health outcomes, reduced stress, and healthier childhood development. Community housing programs have also become increasingly important as many American families struggle with rising rent prices and limited affordable housing options.

Key factors driving public interest include:

  • Growing demand for affordable family housing in America
  • The emotional impact of home stability on children
  • Volunteer-driven community support programs
  • Increased focus on healing-centered family environments

Habitat for Humanity officials said the program is designed not only to build homes but also to create long-term support networks for families.

David Tate, director of development at Habitat for Humanity of the Roanoke Valley, said community involvement plays a major role in helping families succeed after receiving homes.

What Happens Next for the Family

The Hakizimana family is expected to move into the completed home later this year, with construction projected to finish around October or November.

For the children, the new house represents more than physical space. Several family members shared excitement about finally having their own bedrooms and a permanent place to build memories together.

The story has resonated online because it reflects a broader national conversation around love, healing, and the importance of creating safe homes for families facing hardship.

As affordable housing challenges continue across America, community-driven projects like this one are becoming powerful examples of how local support can directly change lives.

Sources

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