BLAIR, Nebraska – Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, serving Washington County, community partners, and two Blair families, dedicated today the first two homes of a five-year, 10-home project in the West Valley subdivision near 24th and Nebraska Streets.
The new homes are part of a multi-pronged approach to providing much-needed affordable housing in Washington County. A portion of the new construction funding comes from the Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund (NAHTF).
“The dedication of these two new homes marks a significant step forward in Blair’s ongoing effort to address the need for affordable housing,” said Blair Mayor Mindy Rump. “These homes represent more than just walls and roofs -- they provide stable, safe homes for these two hard-working families who will now have the opportunity to thrive in our community.”
A five-year study by Washington County in 2021 identified a significant need for affordable homes for teachers, automotive technicians, and agriculture and factory workers, who contribute significantly to the community’s vitality and economy.
“Today’s home dedication is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together as a community,” said Ken Mar, Habitat Omaha’s area director for Washington County. “We are incredibly proud to be part of the solution to the affordable housing challenges in Washington County, and we are excited to see how these homes will provide stability, security, and hope for the families who will live here. We look forward to continuing to work alongside these families as they build a brighter future in their new homes.”
Three other homes have been completed in the new subdivision. Two are for sale, and the third has been sold. Two additional houses are under construction.
Editor’s Note: Event photos are available upon request.
About the homeowners:
Two new homeowners, Hannah and Jaime, are starting fresh in their partnership with Habitat Omaha after overcoming challenging living conditions and uncertain housing situations.
Hannah and her two children had lived in their rental home in Blair for nearly 15 years when it was determined that the house had structural issues. They had just 30 days to move.
With few options, the single mother, her daughter Kaydence, 11, and son, Jaydon, 8, moved in with her sister, three of her children and a grandchild in a four-bedroom, tri-level house, taking up residence in the basement.
That was three years ago. She had been looking for a house of her own ever since.
Hannah, a certified nursing assistant at the VA Hospital in Omaha, learned about Habitat Omaha’s plan to build in Blair and applied for the Home Journey Program. She qualified and completed the requirements before signing a purchase agreement for a three-bedroom, light-blue house along 24th Street.
“It’s exciting,” she said. “I have a house, and it’s actually mine.”
Jaime was determined to find a home in Blair for her family. The single mother and her daughters, Taylor, 14, and Casey, 12, lived in a one-bedroom apartment with roof damage.
“I think we drove down every street in Blair. We started driving down Park Street and saw the Habitat (for Humanity of Omaha) signs and the houses,” she said. “What is this? Is this like a sign from God? It has to be.”
Jamie and her daughters walked around the houses before she scanned the QR code on the sign and applied to purchase a home through the Home Journey Program.
A short time later, Jaime, who works remotely doing medical billing for Nebraska Medicine, learned she would buy one of the houses – a dark gray, three-bedroom house on 24th Street.
“We’ve needed this,” Jamie said. “To get out of that apartment would signify how far we’ve come and how much work we’ve put in on taking care of ourselves.”
About Habitat for Humanity of Omaha
Founded in 1984, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha builds and renovates homes, repairs existing houses, and takes down blighted structures in a five-county area, including Burt, Cass, Douglas, Sarpy, and Washington counties. Habitat also works with individuals and families to acquire the access, skills and financial education to become successful homeowners and, along with Habitat affiliates across the state, advocates for better laws and systems. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitatomaha.org.
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