Habitat for Humanity Dedicates Home for Iraqi Family that Supported U.S Troops

An Iraqi immigrant family, whose lives were threatened while the husband was working for the U.S Army in Iraq, moved into their new Habitat for Humanity home on March 11. The home, located in Woodstock, was constructed by volunteers from local church congregations, businesses, and high schools that joined together to support this courageous and deserving family of five.

Habitat partnered on the home with Muayad Alqaraghuli and his wife, Zainab Yousif, who have three children, Adian (12), Aya (10) and Lamar (1). Three years ago, the family immigrated to the United States from war torn Iraq. Mr. Alqaraghuli was an electrical engineer and worked for the U.S Department of the Army in Baghdad. When terrorists learned that he worked for the Army, he and his family were threatened, causing Mr. Alqaraghuli to send his family to the countryside and move into the American forces compound. Two years later, the family received refugee status and, with the sponsorship and support of Roswell Presbyterian Church, made their way to the United States.

Mr. Alqaraghuli is employed as a custodial supervisor at a nearby high school and Mrs. Yousif is working part-time in the nursery at Roswell Presbyterian Church. On move-in day, Habitat held a Dedication ceremony for the new home and presented the family with their keys. Mr. Alqaraghuli smiled broadly and held the keys triumphantly in the air while his wife fought back tears.

“I want to thank everyone who helped make this dream a reality,” said Mr. Alqaraghuli. “We wouldn’t be here if not for the wonderful support of Roswell Presbyterian Church and all of the Habitat sponsors and volunteers who worked so hard to help build our home.”

Russ Hayes, CEO of Habitat-North Central Georgia, commented on the satisfaction the project brought to all who were involved: “The family supported our troops and risked their lives. We are blessed to have helped them – refugees finding refuge in a land of hope and opportunity.”

The Alqaraghuli-Yousif family’s home was sponsored by the following local congregations, businesses, civic groups, and schools: Blessed Trinity Catholic High School; Canton First United Methodist Church; Cherokee Association of Realtors; Citrix; contributions from Habitat Staff and Board Members, including gifts in Memory of Mary Cordes Kelley and by the Eyl family; Creekview High School; Church of the Messiah; Hillside United Methodist Church; Joe E. Johnston Foundation; Knights of Columbus Council #11768 of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church; North Georgia United Methodist Housing and Homeless Council; Roswell Presbyterian Church; St. Clement’s Episcopal Church; St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church; Windsong Properties; and Workday.

About Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia

Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia is a non-profit, Christian housing ministry that builds affordable homes for purchase by low- to moderate-income families who demonstrate a capacity for responsible homeownership. Since its inception in 1995, Habitat-NCG has completed 289 homes serving over 1,150 family members in North Fulton, Cherokee and Forsyth/Dawson counties. Each family is required to attend six educational classes and perform 200-300 sweat equity hours. Families earn between 30% and 60% of the Atlanta area median income and purchase their homes from Habitat which finances the purchase with a 30-year, no-interest loan. In addition to new home construction, Habitat-North Central Georgia started a home repair program in 2014. To date, 29 repair projects have been completed serving veterans and seniors. In partnership with Habitat for Humanity International, the ministry also operates a ReStore, selling new and gently used building materials, furniture, and household goods, in Roswell. For more information on Habitat for Humanity-North Central Georgia, please visit www.habitat-ncg.org.