In 2001 Aliya Mirzai left her native Afghanistan, fleeing the repression and violence of an occupied territory where services were disrupted and the schools were closed. She was seeking a safe and secure environment in which to raise her young family.

Aliya brought her family to Des Moines where the children could attend school and she could work.

While she works at the Downtown Holiday Inn, Aliya is happy, because she knows her children are safe and in school. Her oldest daughter Human and two oldest sons, Kaleel and Jaleel, attend Hoover High School. She has one son, Saleem, who attends Meredith Middle School. Her two youngest sons, Mateen and Nabeel, attend Woodland Elementary School.

October 3rd they moved into their new home at 2031 Mondamin, alleviating their current overcrowding and providing the children with the space to study and grow. They are extremely thankful for all the effort and time the volunteers have put into building their house. After they make it a home they would like to continue volunteering at Habitat for Humanity to share the love they have experienced.