EN-ID Blog
A month ago, as the evening sky was still wet with drizzle, Siti Nurhayati (37) stood in front of her newly renovated home. Its bright blue walls symbolized a fresh start in her life. Her smile reflected astonishment as she stepped inside for the first time, moving simple furniture into a space that now served as a safe haven for her family.
“The first time I entered this house, it felt strange. I couldn’t believe it was mine. It’s so beautiful, like a dream,” Siti recalled about the moment she first walked into her home, renovated by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.
For years, Siti had been dreaming of owning a decent home. During that time, she lived in her parents’ old house, a modest structure made of bamboo walls that had long since deteriorated. Every corner of the house spoke of hardship, with its damaged walls and leaky roof posing constant challenges.
“Our house was in terrible condition. The bamboo walls were full of holes, and my husband often patched them with old tarpaulins. When it rained, water came in from everywhere, and rats often invaded. It felt like there was no safe place inside,” Siti shared.
Having a decent home was no easy feat for Siti. To make ends meet, she relied on the income of her husband, Junaedi (40), who worked as a construction laborer earning IDR 70,000 (approximately $5) per day—paid every two weeks, if his employer was punctual.
Aware of their financial struggles, Siti tried her luck by selling laundry detergent door-to-door to her neighbors. However, the additional income was just enough to cover daily meals.
“We lived in constant hardship. Our children are still in school, and I also take care of my older sibling who has a mental illness. It was overwhelming, especially since our house was on the verge of collapse,” Siti added.
Read also: The Blossoming of New Hope in Siti’s Decent Home
Their circumstances changed when Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, along with generous donors and volunteers, came to rebuild Siti’s house and those of five other families in Rajeg, Tangerang Regency.
“Alhamdulillah, this house has changed everything. I feel much more at ease, more comfortable. There are no more leaks, no more rats. My children are also more motivated to study,” Siti said gratefully.
Now, Siti can set aside a small portion of her income for her children’s education. Junaedi also has more energy to take on side jobs. “Our burdens feel lighter. I can also take better care of my sibling without feeling so stressed,” she added.
To Siti, this house is more than just a building. It is a new place that brings peace and hope for a better future. “My parents always told me a house must be cherished. This isn’t just for us; it’s for our children. This house will become their inheritance,” Siti said with hope.
The blue house now stands tall, bringing hope and a new beginning for Siti’s family—a first step toward a more stable and self-reliant life. You can also take part in bringing change to families like Siti Nurhayati’s. Through your compassion, more homes can be built to provide safe and decent shelter for those in need.
Visit www.habitatindonesia.org/donate to donate and become part of our mission to create a better life.
(kh/av)
