Originally posted: JAN 30, 2012
Amsale Kinde first heard about Habitat for Humanity in 2005 from a woman she spoke to about her family’s poor housing conditions. “I shared with her the story of our problems and she told me there was an organization that could help,” said Amsale.
Four years later, in 2009, the Kindes moved out of their cramped, unsafe apartment and into their very own Habitat home. “I never met her again, but I always think of her and know that she is blessed,” she said. The Kindes – Amsale, Yelekal and their three children – moved to D.C. from Ethiopia in 2004. Yelekal works as a parking attendant for PMI, while Amsale provides in-home care in Silver Spring.
Their oldest child, Ewnetu, is 25 years-old and studies radiology at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) while working with his father as a parking attendant.
Selam is 24 years old and attends the Kentucky Job Academy where he is studying to be an auto mechanic. Fiteh is 21 years-old and will complete her bachelor’s degree in biology in 2010. She wants to pursue a career in medicine.
From the moment Amsale and Yelekal signed on as Habitat homebuyers, they proved to be committed partners. The couple threw themselves into earning sweat equity hours, working tirelessly on the construction of their own home, as well as those of their neighbors-to-be.
“WE THINK IT IS AMAZING THAT PEOPLE ARE SO WILLING TO HELP US,” SAID AMSALE. “IT IS UNBELIEVABLE. I AM SO HAPPY THERE IS A PROGRAM SUCH AS THIS.”