Bilsan, Norma, and their three boys Roadny (13), Rudy (10), Rony (9), are in awe of their new home.

“We can live freer,” Bilsen said.

The family has been sharing a two bedroom apartment with Norma’s father and the boys have had to sleep together in the living room. They cannot wait to each have their own room with space to grow, learn, and thrive. Bilsan and Norma first learned about Habitat Kent’s homeownership program through her brother.

When they first saw the full gut rehab house, their family wondered how it could be a place their family could live in but after months of hard work, with help from volunteers and donors, they were able to transform the space into a place of strength and stability for their family.

“Now [the house] is so different and we are so excited,” Bilsan said.

Bilsan said that Habitat Kent homeownership program taught him about how to pay off debt and responsibly save for the future. He also learned construction skills that he said will be useful to take care of his new home.

“[My boys] can remember when they grow up that we worked hard for a new house,” Bilsan said. “Thanks to everyone involved in the process.”

Thank you for helping Bilsan, Norma, and their boys transform a place of decay into a firm foundation to build a bright future.