They lived in a hotel when their baby was born at 22 weeks. Now they’re homeowners.
Key Points:
- A family of Angolan immigrants in Portland, Maine, faced immense challenges when their daughter, Winner, was born prematurely at 22 weeks, a gestational age with very low survival rates.
- Despite medical warnings of potential disabilities and fragile health, Winner survived after eight months of hospitalization and is now a thriving child who speaks English and Portuguese.
- The family struggled with housing instability but received crucial support from Project Home, which helped them secure stable housing during Winner’s critical early months.
- After years of hardship, including fleeing persecution and living in multiple countries, the family purchased their own home in Portland in early 2025, symbolizing their hard-won freedom and stability.
- The story highlights the importance of housing advocacy and community support in overcoming crises, with the parents’ determination playing a central role in their daughter's survival and family’s success.