Habitat for Humanity homeowners invest cash, 34 days on Woodbridge town house

Wudasie Retta and Tesfaye Abuye are proud new homeowners.

The Ethiopian immigrants celebrated at the purchase of their new home on Thursday, July 28. A dedication ceremony marked the family’s achievement of the American Dream.

It was the culmination of 34 days, and 1,100 hours of hard labor done by the couple and several volunteers from Habitat for Humanity Prince William. Manassas, and Manassas Park.

A new roof, new drywall, and a new bathroom on the three-story house’s basement level were just a few of the improvements volunteers helped to make at the home. Retta, Abuye, daughter Haleulya, 7, and sons Levi, 3 and Kidus, 9, joined those volunteers, friends, and new neighbors during the dedication ceremony where they received gifts and dined on donated food from an Olive Garden restaurant near Manassas.

“I have to say from an application standpoint, they were on top of it,” said Habitat for Humanity Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park Director Traci DeGroat. “Everything was in order, and everything that was asked for was provided immediately.

The couple underwent a credit check, as well as an extensive background check before the charity decided to work with them. They both work at Walmart near Dumfries — Abuye on nights and Retta on dayshift.

Before winning the diversity lottery and coming to the U.S. Abuye was the owner of a manufacturing company that made products from peanuts. Retta graduated college with a marketing degree and was working in her field.

Retta was diagnosed with breast cancer upon arriving in the U.S. She’s since beat it, and has shown no signs of relapse.

The couple is excited about moving their children into their new home. They’re currently living in a small apartment in Triangle.

DeGroat said the couple is always “looking to improve their lives.” Retta recently was awarded a nursing certificate, and Abuye a license to drive a taxi cab.