Our Current
Families
The Greater Erie Area Habitat for Humanity has helped over 160 children and adults achieve safe, decent, and affordable housing. Our partner families earn the chance to own a home by dedicating themselves to the program, completing at least 300 sweat equity hours, attending monthly budget coaching sessions, participating in homeownership preparation classes, and receiving credit counseling. Their hard work and commitment turn the dream of homeownership into reality. We invite you to explore the inspiring stories of our current partner families.
About
Anderson Family
Rosemary Anderson’s journey to Erie, PA, is one of resilience and determination. Originally from Liberia, West Africa, Rosemary was forced to flee her homeland during the Liberian War. She sought refuge in Ghana, where she and her family spent 16 years in a refugee camp.
Rosemary is the proud mother of seven children: three sons and four daughters. Two of her daughters, both teachers with advanced degrees, remain in Ghana with their families. Tragically, her two oldest sons were taken by her husband when he returned to Liberia, and Rosemary lost contact with them.
While in Ghana, Rosemary gave birth to three more children who now live with her in Erie: Rebecca, Silvia, and Emmanuel.
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Rebecca, 16, graduated early from McDowell High School in 2012 and is now a freshman at Edinboro University, majoring in pre-law with a minor in criminal justice. Bright and driven, Rebecca enjoys music and reading.
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Silvia, 14, is a sophomore at Central High School with an interest in pre-engineering. Known as the family’s “technology guru,” Silvia excels in her studies and tech skills.
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Emmanuel, 22, is passionate about soccer and cooking. As the former captain of the soccer team at Villa Maria Academy, he dreams of playing soccer for Penn State Behrend. Emmanuel recently became a proud father to a baby boy, Elijah, born on July 5, 2012.
While living in the refugee camp, Rosemary pursued education in construction, mastering skills such as laying bricks and plastering. She also became a skilled seamstress, earning a certificate in sewing and dressmaking, and ran her own salon in Liberia as a certified cosmetologist.
After arriving in the United States in April 2006, Rosemary continued to build her skills, completing a painting course in Erie. She has since worked for five years in the maintenance department of the Erie Housing Authority.
Beyond her professional achievements, Rosemary loves cooking, and her family considers her chicken dishes the best. She also enjoys singing, a passion that brings joy to her household.
Rosemary officially became a U.S. citizen in May 2011. Now, as a Habitat for Humanity partner, she is thrilled to work toward a permanent home for herself and her children—a safe, stable place to call their own.
Her story is a testament to perseverance and hope, and she looks forward to building a brighter future with Habitat for Humanity.
