New Homes Mark Fresh Starts for Struggling Families
Every home holds a story, and for many families, the journey to finding a safe and secure place to live is filled with incredible challenges. In 2024, Habitat for Humanity organized hundreds of volunteering activities across our network all over the world, bringing hope and support to countless communities. In Romania in particular, over 270 dedicated volunteers helped transform lives through 3 big accelerated volunteering build events called Hope Build. As part of these efforts, eight families moved closer to their dream of having a home they can call their own. On this International Volunteer Day, we celebrate the resilience of these families and the generosity of those who built alongside them.
A Place to Grow, Heal, and Thrive: A Fresh Start for Families in Need
For many families, a new home represents more than just a physical structure—it symbolizes the possibility of a fresh start, a chance to heal, and a place to thrive. In these homes, families find the space, security, and stability they’ve longed for after enduring difficult and often abusive living situations.
The stories of these families are a testament to resilience and hope, as they embark on new journeys of rebuilding their lives.
Monica Băicoianu, a 24-year-old single mother, knows firsthand the struggles of living in cramped, unsuitable conditions. She once shared a one-room rental with her infant daughter, Cataleya. This small, overcrowded space served as their bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom all at once. “I want Cataleya to grow up somewhere she can feel safe,” Monica shared, her voice filled with hope. “This home means she will have the start I could only dream of.”
Similarly, Dragos and Adriana Feraru, along with their three children, lived in a cramped two-room apartment. Dragos’s modest income as a construction worker barely covered the basics, leaving little room for improvement in their living situation. Their new home in Berceni will offer not just space but also the stability they’ve been seeking. “It will be a place where our children can grow, play, and dream,” Adriana said.
For Mihaela Albișteanu, the struggle to rebuild her life after leaving an abusive relationship has been a painful yet necessary journey. A single mother of four, Mihaela faced the hardship of renting a decaying house while working low-paying jobs to keep her children in school. “This home will not be just a shelter—it’s a lifeline,” she said, her voice filled with relief. “For the first time, I feel like we have a future.”
The Calcan family has also lived under a constant shadow of instability. Marian and Alexandra, along with their five-year-old daughter, had been living with Marian’s mother, where the atmosphere was tense and filled with conflict, partly due to Marian’s mother’s struggles with alcoholism. “We deeply desire a new home because it would mean our peace,” Alexandra explained. “This new house represents freedom from fear and a space where we can raise our daughter with love and stability.”
The Constantin family faced a similarly challenging living situation. Alexandru and Georgiana, along with their baby daughter Erika, lived in a cramped, moldy room at Alexandru’s parents’ house. “We need our own place,” Alexandru said. “A safe, clean home where we can give Erika the childhood she deserves.”
The new homes built in Zemes stand as a testament to the strength and resilience of these families. Oana Pintilie, for example, left an abusive marriage in order to protect her son, Andrei. However, the instability of moving from one rental to another left her feeling uncertain about the future. Pregnant with her second child, Oana expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to start fresh. “This house is our new beginning—a chance to heal and grow as a family,” she said, her eyes filled with optimism.
The Anghi family, who had lived in a neglected apartment without electricity, had faced unimaginable hardships. “We dreamed of a home where our children could sleep peacefully and play safely,” said the young parents. “Now, that dream is real.” Their new home will give their children the security they need to grow up with a sense of safety and comfort.
Similarly, 26-year-old Alexandra Puiu has lived with her grandparents, where constant conflicts with her father made it impossible for her to find peace. “I dream of a house where I can live in peace and start a family,” Alexandra said, her determination shining through despite the challenges. With her nursing diploma in hand and a clear vision of the life she wants to build, Alexandra looks forward to moving into her new Habitat home—a place where love, laughter, and hope can flourish.
These families’ journeys highlight the importance of having a safe, stable home—a space where they can heal from the scars of the past, find peace, and create a better future for themselves and their children.
Each new house is not just a shelter; it is a sanctuary that will allow these families to grow, thrive, and build the lives they’ve always dreamed of.
Building Homes, Building Hope
The three building events in Tutora, Berceni, and Zemes, Romania, were nothing short of extraordinary. Over just five days in each location, volunteers worked tirelessly to construct duplexes from the ground up—installing walls, mounting roofs, applying insulation, and perfecting interiors. The energy and commitment of the volunteers transformed blueprints into tangible homes, and more importantly, into foundations for better lives.
A Heartfelt Thanks
None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of volunteers from across the Europe and Middle East region, including teams from Telus, Hilti, Auchan, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Velux, Dovista, Employee Foundation of VKR Group, Mercedes, BRD, wienerberger, GRAITEC, Henkel, SWECO, Dedeman, ProTV. Their hands-on work and unwavering support brought not only houses to life but also inspired renewed strength in the families who will live in them.
As we reflect on the incredible impact of 2024’s builds, we’re reminded of Habitat for Humanity’s vision: a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Thank you to every volunteer who made these dreams possible.
Your dedication proves that, together, we can build more than homes—we can build hope, community, and a brighter future.