Meet Dieu, the eldest of six siblings, whose family came to Canada from a refugee camp in Kenya in search of safety and stability. But when they arrived, finding suitable housing proved challenging. They needed something affordable, close to schools, and with enough room for a family of eight. Over seven years, they moved five times, displaced by renovictions and rising rents, never knowing how long they could stay.

Through all this uncertainty, 20-year-old Dieu stayed focused. A gifted soccer player with a goal of becoming a physiotherapist, he balanced his studies with his passion for the game. That dream of stability finally became reality when his parents partnered with Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex to purchase their own home. Together, Dieu, his mother, and younger brother contributed 500 volunteer hours at their local Habitat ReStore.

A home changes everything

Earlier this year, the family opened the door to their Habitat house — a bright, five-bedroom space where they can plant roots and build a brighter future. Reflecting on what this means for his younger siblings, Dieu says he's excited for them. "I have memories in so many different houses, but they have a (single) place where they can grow up, make friends, go to school … it’s something I didn’t have that much when I was their age.”

Dieu’s parents now pay an affordable, geared-to-income mortgage. Without the constant upheaval of moving, Dieu no longer worries about his commute to college or soccer practice. He has a room of his own to study, and he can finally plan ahead. And he’s committed to giving back: by supporting his siblings, helping coach soccer teams in his community, and continuing to volunteer at his local Habitat ReStore.

“There are many families in need of a home, and many families are in the same situation my family was in. While volunteering, I recognized that if you give, if you play a part or just do a little bit to help, that contributes to the outcome. I believe it takes many hands to help.”

Revitalizing communities, not just homes

Dieu’s story doesn’t end with one home. His family’s house stands on a rehabilitated lot — one of eight vacant or abandoned properties Habitat Windsor-Essex has acquired from the City of Windsor. These builds are helping revitalize neighborhoods, bringing families back to underserved communities and keeping housing affordable.

Dieu’s journey is a powerful reminder of what stability can unlock — not just for one family, but for an entire community. With a safe place to call home, Dieu and his family can dream bigger, give back, and help others along the way — proving that vibrant communities truly start with a home.