A sense of belonging in New Zealand

Els Palemene and her family moved into their West Auckland Habitat home in Massey, New Zealand, in June.

Helping to build the home themselves was a positive step for Palemene and her husband Fred Itunu and gave them “a real sense of belonging to the house,” Palemene says. “We feel a sense of pride and ownership walking into the house. It’s a sense of peace that we can settle here for good.”

The family previously lived in more crowded conditions. “Now we can do things we’ve always wanted to but couldn’t,” Palemene says, “like plant a garden and have a laundry room, which has saved us a fair bit of money.”

Three-year-old Kanoa and 7-year-old Isabella love having their own rooms, but having more space actually helps to bring the family closer. “We have a kitchen that we can all be in at the same time now, to do things like baking and cooking together.”

Most of all, Palemene says, “homeownership really solidifies for us that we’re able to provide a stable environment for our daughters. This changes everything.”