Some stories are not only about hardship—they are about the strength people find when they are not alone. Behind every home we build is a family, a dream and a community that believes change is possible.
Mariana and Răzvan’s journey, together with their three children, has never been easy. For years, they lived in a rented apartment where cold, damp and mould were part of everyday life. The ageing heating system often broke down, and the poor living conditions took a toll on the family’s health. After a severe ear infection, their youngest daughter, Ștefania, lost the hearing in her left ear.
Despite these challenges, Mariana and Răzvan never stopped working to give their children a better future. Both grew up in difficult circumstances and knew what it meant to start working from an early age. They were determined that their children would have different opportunities.
In 2023, the family joined Habitat for Humanity Romania’s housing programme. Working side by side with dozens of volunteers, Mariana and Răzvan helped build their own home, watching their dream become reality one day at a time.
A year later, in 2024, the family moved into their new home—and life began to change.
Their new home brought the warmth, comfort and peace of mind they had long hoped for.
After years of uncertainty, Mariana and Răzvan are grateful that their children now have a safe and stable place to grow up.
“It feels like we’ve started over. Everything is different. The atmosphere is different. And the children sleep peacefully now…”
Helping to build their own home, together with the generosity of people they had never met before, changed the family forever. Today, they hope to return to Habitat build sites—not as partner families, but as volunteers, helping others build a place to call home.
Thousands of other families are still waiting for that same opportunity. With your ongoing support, we can continue working alongside families in need, helping them build safe, affordable homes and brighter futures.
