Overcoming Challenges

01.03.14

Although heartbreaking, Kjell’s story is truly one of triumph. In his not-so-distant past, Kjell suffered from brain cancer, loss of health and employment, and ultimately, abandonment by his spouse. Kjell was a homeowner in Omaha but he “truly felt out of place in [his] vulnerable state of mind,” so he moved to Lincoln and became a renter. As a renter, Kjell struggled with “questionable landlord practices,” and he longed to own his own home once again.

However, Kjell needed just a little bit of assistance–which is exactly what he got at NeighborWorks. After completing the Homeownership Program, Kjell’s dream of homeownership in Lincoln came true. He now  owns a beautiful home in the Near South neighborhood. Kjell says that he “wants to make [his] neighborhood an exemplary vision of the Near South that does not happen to be Mt. Emerald.” Kjell feels a great sense of satisfaction in his new home, which gives him something “concrete” (pun intended) to work toward in life.

We thank Kjell for sharing his story with us and we commend him for all he has overcome and accomplished! Kjell, you rule.