When Daouda and Hawa opened the door to their new home at Coltrane Commons in Strawberry Mansion, they stepped into something they once thought was out of reach: a place of their own. After years of searching for stability and navigating life apart, the moment marked the beginning of a new chapter together in Philadelphia.
Daouda was born and raised in New York, and Hawa, from Senegal. When they married, the couple dreamed of finding a place where they could build a future together.
While exploring apartments and rental options across the city, Daouda and Hawa also applied to Habitat Philadelphia’s Homeownership Program in hopes of finding a permanent place to call home. As they navigated visa applications and marriage paperwork, Hawa was in her home country, preparing for the move to Philly.
Then in July 2024, shortly after Daouda and Hawa were reunited, they learned they had been accepted into Habitat’s Homeownership Program.
“I remember thinking, ‘no way!” said Hawa. “I was so happy and couldn’t believe it.”
“It felt amazing. Excitement just came over me, a nervous excitement. You know, you get those jitters and worry if something might go wrong. But I couldn’t wait to hold those keys.” – Daouda
Over the next 10 months, alongside the Habitat Philadelphia team, Daouda and Hawa attended workshops, volunteered at the ReStore and build sites, and gained the knowledge and skills needed to become successful first-time homeowners.
In April 2025, they opened the door to their new home, surrounded by a community that celebrated all they had accomplished and this new season of their lives.
Now, more than a year later, Daouda and Hawa have truly made the house their own. From personal touches in every room to the daily routines and new memories they’re creating, the home reflects the life they have built together.
For Hawa, home represents both a source of comfort and possibility.
“I hope in the future it feels even more like our home, maybe have kids around and know that wherever I am in the world, this is my house. My home is here and it’s where I want to come back to – where I belong.”
For Daouda, homeownership brought something he had spent years searching for: stability and a place to put down roots.
“I’m grateful for this program and what Habitat has helped bring to our lives at the right time. Because I’m finally, finally home. I’ve wanted a home for such a long time, and the fact that this happened is very rewarding.”
Today, Daouda and Hawa are home – safe, stable, and excited for what the future brings.
On Habitat Day of Giving — your support helps open the door for more families like Daouda and Hawa’s. And this year, you have the chance to double your impact!
Thanks to the incredible generosity of Tobey and Kim Oxholm, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar — unlocking up to $50,000 — through our first-ever Open the Door Challenge.
Please join us for our 24-hour online event to raise $200,000 toward affordable housing and critical home repairs. Because everyone deserves a decent place to live.
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