Whenever it rained, Godfrey would end up wet and muddy. Not an unusual outcome for an eight-year-old boy – but in Godfrey’s case, it wasn’t from splashing in puddles or climbing trees.

Godfrey has hydrocephalus — a medical condition that means he can’t sit or stand on his own. For years, most of his time was spent lying on the dirt floor of his family’s home. When the roof leaked, there was nowhere to stay dry.

Today, thanks to the construction of a safe and accessible home, Godfrey can use a wheelchair to get around the house. He's sitting upright, is healthier, and is attending school for the first time. Now that Godfrey no longer needs round-the-clock care, his grandmother Leginesi is able to earn a better income farming maize.

“When I look at [our home], I see a better life ahead for my family and my grandson.” – Leginesi, Godfrey’s grandmother

Godfrey didn’t change, but something else did: a home that allowed him to live safely.

The family now lives in one of 15 new, accessible and climate-resilient homes recently built in Dedza, Malawi, where Habitat’s Circles of Care project is helping improve living conditions for children with disabilities and their caregivers.

Since moving in, Godfrey does not get sick as often, and his well-being has improved significantly.

For Godfrey's family, a home is more than four walls. It became a place where he could stay healthy, attend school, and look toward the future with confidence.