Moving into a new home can be an exciting time for a family. 

That’s exactly what a mother and her three children are celebrating. 

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls broke ground on the home in April. 

Now Ciza Jathen has the keys to her new house. 

The mother from east Africa says she can’t explain the joy she’s feeling.

The house offers more space for the family compared to some of the apartments they’ve lived in. 

“We don’t have to be sharing rooms when we go to sleep,” John DeDieu said. 

Her son John DeDieu will get to enjoy his room for several months before heading to Marine boot camp in San Diego. 

But perhaps he’s even happier about with this means for his mother. 

“She’s been looking forward to this for a really long time. She’s been struggling going from apartment to apartment,” John DeDieu said. 

The Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls calls the family “deserving” of this home. 

“They’ve put in the work. They’ve stuck with us. They went through home ownership classes, financial planning,” Rocky Welker said. 

..which is why their new keys may not just open the door to their new home, but perhaps a new life. 

More than 230 volunteers stepped on board to help build this house. 

Welker says the organization is always looking for volunteers, especially this time of year. 

Meanwhile, the application window to become a Habitat Home owner is open now through February 8th.