Thank you to everyone who is building our house. They make us feel welcome in our community." |
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When Fiston and Nadege were approved for IVHFH’s Homeownership program, Fiston said he “could not believe it.” Similarly, Nadege was very surprised and wasn’t sure it could be true. They recognize it as a wonderful opportunity for their family.
Fiston, Nadege, and their daughter Fistina are from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, while son James was born in Iowa City. The family recently welcomed a baby boy, John, to their family. Because of economic instability and political turmoil in DRC, Fiston and Nadege’s long-term success there was tenuous and daily life was filled with uncertainty. The family says that if a person is fortunate enough to own something like a home, it is possible that the government may seize it at any time. Homes are difficult to purchase because loans and payment plans are unavailable. Education is also expensive and many families cannot afford to send their children to school. This contributed to Fiston and Nadege's decision to apply for the Diversity Visa program.
The family was approved through the Diversity Visa program and arrived in Illinois in 2014 where they stayed with a host family. Hearing that Iowa City was an immigrant-friendly community, Fiston began staying with friends and looking for jobs and housing in the area. Soon he secured both, and the rest of the family was able to join him in Iowa City.
Fistina is excited to have her own space in her new home and to make friends in a new neighborhood. In her own room, she will be able to concentrate on the schoolwork she is so passionate about. James is eager to have his own room and to have somewhere safe to ride his new battery-operated ride-on car that he got for Christmas.
Fiston and Nadege are comforted to know that their family will have a permanent residence in Iowa City, and something that they can leave to their children. They are excited for their children to have their own space to be kids and not have to worry about bothering the neighbors. Mostly, they are looking forward to the peace of mind that comes along with homeownership.
Fiston says, “To those supporting my family I say thank you. You are all welcome in my family. Your gift will be forever stamped on my heart. It will be shared throughout the world.”
Fiston, Nadege, and their daughter Fistina are from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, while son James was born in Iowa City. The family recently welcomed a baby boy, John, to their family. Because of economic instability and political turmoil in DRC, Fiston and Nadege’s long-term success there was tenuous and daily life was filled with uncertainty. The family says that if a person is fortunate enough to own something like a home, it is possible that the government may seize it at any time. Homes are difficult to purchase because loans and payment plans are unavailable. Education is also expensive and many families cannot afford to send their children to school. This contributed to Fiston and Nadege's decision to apply for the Diversity Visa program.
The family was approved through the Diversity Visa program and arrived in Illinois in 2014 where they stayed with a host family. Hearing that Iowa City was an immigrant-friendly community, Fiston began staying with friends and looking for jobs and housing in the area. Soon he secured both, and the rest of the family was able to join him in Iowa City.
Fistina is excited to have her own space in her new home and to make friends in a new neighborhood. In her own room, she will be able to concentrate on the schoolwork she is so passionate about. James is eager to have his own room and to have somewhere safe to ride his new battery-operated ride-on car that he got for Christmas.
Fiston and Nadege are comforted to know that their family will have a permanent residence in Iowa City, and something that they can leave to their children. They are excited for their children to have their own space to be kids and not have to worry about bothering the neighbors. Mostly, they are looking forward to the peace of mind that comes along with homeownership.
Fiston says, “To those supporting my family I say thank you. You are all welcome in my family. Your gift will be forever stamped on my heart. It will be shared throughout the world.”
