Our family’s story – Mihaela Albisteanu
This year, Mihaela moved into her new house, a home that she helped build alongside volunteers during Habitat for Humanity Romania’s Hope Build, a unique volunteer house-building event. In just five days in June 2024, volunteers from companies and the community came together for a so-called Hope Build. This project changed the lives of two households forever. One of these families is the Albisteanu family, led by a mother whose strength and resilience have carried her family through years of hardship, Mihaela Albisteanu. “I can’t believe it! The children will have their own space, just for them.”
Mihaela’s excitement rings out as she shares her feelings in a video from the build.
Looking back
Flashback to 2017, Mihaela was already a single mother of three from a very young age. When Adrian came into her life, it seemed a new chapter of hope was opening. Together, they began to dream of rebuilding their lives and providing a better future for the children.
Mihaela, her three children, and Adrian moved to Germany to work and save money for a fresh start. Three months later, they came back to Romania, were the children welcomed a new sibling, Nectarie.
But, instead of growing closer, the family began to struggle. Tension slowly grew in the house until there was no more room for Mihaela and her children. One day, she bravely packed her things, took her four children, and left with no destination in mind.
A small, rented house in a remote village in Neamt County, Romania, became their temporary home. There, Mihaela enrolled her children in school and tried to create for them the stability she never had. Coming from a large family of eleven siblings, Mihaela had to leave school after ninth grade to work. Her dream for her children was different; she wanted them to thrive.
Still, the family dreamed of and longed to return to Tutora. A place filled with peace, safety, and familiarity. A place that felt like home.
Hope at last
In June 2024, hope came in the shape of hammers, paint brushes, and neighborly faces. An entourage of volunteers from a group of corporate volunteers, as well as local volunteers from the community surrounded the family with support and encouragement. For five days, over 100 volunteers gave their energy, time, and heart to help build a better future for and with the family.
Together with Mihaela, the volunteers raised the walls of her new beginning and covered them with a roof of gratitude.
One volunteer described the experience simply when reflecting on what Hope Build gives back to those who participate. The sense of purpose, connection, and joy that comes from helping a family step into a better future: “We get so much more back: the smile on the faces of the families for whom and with whom we are building the house – it’s just unbeatable!”
By July 2025, Mihaela was finally able to step over the threshold of her completed house. The house stood solid, safe, and hers. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she shared: “We are finally moving into our new home, and it feels like a dream. My children are smiling again, and for the first time in years, we feel safe, at peace. I still can’t believe so many people came just to help us. Thanks to them, we have a fresh start.”
The volunteers generously came together as communities should, to build something that will last for a very grateful family. They prove that communities become stronger when people help one another.
Together, we build better futures.
