Nageb Gomo and his wife Susan Osho are the homeowners of the house at 1321 Washington. They partnered with Habitat for Humanity, committing them to sweat equity and a homeowner’s education course to prepare to be Habitat homeowners.

Nageb and Susan were acquainted in their native Sudan, but were separated by the strife that has divided that nation. They were reunited again in an Egyptian refugee camp where they were married. The opportunity to seek the safety and security of the United States once again separated them as Nageb left first, coming to Des Moines to stay with a sister in January 2000.

In December of 2001 Susan was able to join her husband and they began their family in October 2002 with the birth of their son Ammay. Meanwhile Nageb worked hard to further develop his construction skills, initially learned in his native country. Working upward through several jobs he is now an installer for Flooring Gallery in Des Moines. Susan has been working to earn her High School Diploma while taking care of Ammay and their daughter Akage.

Nageb spent many proud hours laboring on his home, making friends and admirers among the habitat volunteers with his tireless work ethic and constant good cheer. He was able to utilize his employee discount to purchase much of the flooring through his employer and enlisted the help of colleagues and friends to install the home’s hardwood and tile floors. He was present and involved in all stages of the construction and is happy to be living in his own home with his family.

Moving into his home was the end of one journey and the beginning of a brighter future for Ammay and Akage.