2026 Cycle of Hope Homeowner Profile

Parents: Solomon & Mehret
Children: Daughters: Peniel (PENNY-EL) (2017) and Lydia (2022)

Solomon and Mehret’s journey to Canada began in Eritrea, where they grew up and attended church together. Their love for each other and their determination to build a better life carried them through years of living apart as they each made difficult journeys out of the country.

Solomon traveled through Sudan and Libya before reaching Malta, a small island nation in Europe. Mehret journeyed to Sudan and then to Uganda. Once in Malta, Solomon secured employment and tried to bring his family to join him, but strict government policies made reunification impossible. He traveled to Uganda as often as he could and in 2016 the couple married there.

Their first daughter, Peniel, was born in Uganda the following year. Her arrival deepened their longing for stability and a safer future. Solomon continued making trips back to see his family whenever possible, holding onto hope that one day they could all be together. In 2021, while pregnant and caring for little Peniel, Mehret traveled to Canada where she reunited with her sisters in Winnipeg.

Back in Malta, Solomon was working for a heavy equipment company whose owner believed in him so strongly that he personally contacted a company in Winnipeg on Solomon’s behalf. Intrigued by his story, the General Manager agreed to meet him and immediately knew he wanted him on the team. In 2023, Solomon was finally reunited with his family in Winnipeg and started working one week after his arrival. Today he works full time in yard maintenance, serves on the Safety Committee, trains new staff, and is described by his employer as invaluable. He is someone who embodies their core values with creativity, resourcefulness and a strong work ethic.

Mehret has been dedicated to improving her English, attending EAL classes and reaching Level 4 proficiency. Their daughters are thriving in school alongside their cousins. Peniel is excelling academically and in sports, while little Lydia is excited to be entering grade 1.

However, housing has remained a significant challenge. The family currently rents a small two bedroom apartment where space is tight and safety concerns have increased. After a rock shattered a neighbour’s window, Peniel became too afraid to sleep alone. What was once a comfortable main floor suite no longer feels secure or suitable for two growing children.

Solomon and Mehret are ready for the stability of a home they can truly call their own. They fully understand the commitment of 500 labour hours and are eager to take on the work together. Their church community and extended family, people they have supported throughout the years, stand ready to help them succeed.

For Solomon and Mehret, a Habitat home means far more than a house. It is a place where their daughters can feel safe, where they can finally put down roots, and where a long and difficult journey can give way to a beautiful new beginning: homeownership.