Building Houses, Building Hope, Building Philadelphia.

Kenassa Tucho arrived in the United States in April 2002, seeking better job opportunities. “Life is hard in Ethiopia. Even if you have a diploma or graduate high school there is still no work for you, so it’s very hard to survive. It’s so much better here.” He applied for citizenship through the Diversity Immigrant VISA Program and was drawn by random selection from a pool of applicants who met specific eligibility requirements from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.

The decision to pursue life in America was not an easy one because Kenassa left family and friends in Ethiopia, including his wife, Ebise.  Before Ebise could come to the States, Kenassa needed to establish himself – get a job and find a home.

When Kenassa first arrived he lived in a three bedroom apartment, sharing the cost of rent with two other housemates, and secured a job in the retail industry.  However, the rent became too costly when his housemates moved, forcing Kenassa into a small efficiency in West Philadelphia. 

 “My house was only one room on the third floor. The stairs would be difficult for my family. There was no air conditioning or heat. The roof was leaking. The window was cracked.”

Desperate to be permanently reunited with his wife, and beautiful two year old daughter, Baeti, Kenassa applied for homeownership with Habitat Philadelphia.  “After observing his living space, we felt Kenassa demonstrated a need for housing, one of Habitat’s criteria.  He met all of our financial requirements and worked hard to complete his 350 hours of sweat equity,” said Habitat Program Director, Shelly Halloran. 

With 350 hours of sweat equity and seven years of separation behind him, Kenassa moved his family into their home. “It’s been very good. I learned a lot of things inside Habitat, like how to do repairs around my house. I did a little of that kind of work in Ethiopia, but not like what I did with Habitat.” 

When asked what will be different about this house, Kenassa responded, “The good thing about this house is that it will be mine. I pay for my own house mortgage now; before, I paid rent to somebody else. It’s different when your money is going to someone else.” He smiled and looked at his daughter. “All three of us are very excited and happy about owning our own house here.”