The American dream, with a Bantu twist.
Several years ago, through another family in our church, we heard about the need of refugee families in our community for housing. Many of these refugees were Somali Bantus who were living in Centlivre Apartments. At some point, the apartment management decided there were too many refugees and too many headaches with these new arrivals and wanted them to move on. Late rent payments and other culturally-influenced tenant issues combined with the landlord’s maintenance neglect created a climate of unwelcomeness. A small exodus was beginning for these families with few options and resources. We met one of these families, Hassan and Naderi* and their then 5 young children, and our hearts went out to them.
I had a friend who owned houses he fixed up for resale, and talked to him about the need of this African family, and he had one that seemed suited for them. It was located in the same school district as Centlivre, was near Hassan’s work and not far from a bus route and shopping. The 3-bedroom house with one full bath was small for a family of eight, but large compared to their apartment. It even had a small yard, two-car garage with a basketball goal. The American dream, with a Hoosier twist.
While we knew they had many needs, a home of their own was a priority. Without much money in the bank, little credit history, lack of English language skills, and other challenges, my friend was willing to sell the house to them on contract. Five families from our church worked together to help them make the move. On a Saturday, a crisp-sunny fall day, we made several trips in SUVs and pickups jammed with their belongings and then packed with the family themselves, we welcomed them in. They were thrilled.
We started a journey with Hassan and Naderi that first encounter at Centlivre that continued for many years. So many things they needed to learn. Family budgeting, paying bills on time, changing furnace filters, putting the trash out on the right day. Besides our families, many other people reached out to help them with work, health care, and home repairs. Small quarters became tighter as babies number 6, 7, and 8 have come along. We’ve helped them through a home addition and bank financing to buy the house outright.
More importantly, through our friendship, I’ve learned to be patient and respect their culture. Floor mats over the carpeted areas, heavy drapes over windows and walls, lights off in the living room, sitting in the dark. Ignoring the push mower and spreading gravel in the yard instead. Bright yellow house paint in a block of white and gray homes. The American dream, with a Bantu twist.
But more than the American dream, God loves them and Jesus died for them as much as He does and He did for me. And we’ve tried to reflect that love in helping them.
Dave Steiner, TRP Volunteer
recent comments