Refugee family from Ethiopia gets new home makeover

A refugee mother from Ethiopia and her seven children moved into a completely updated living space Wednesday after a small business owner funded to have their home completely overhauled with new amenities. The family has experienced many hardships before and after coming to America. Signe Ebbit spent seven years in an Ethiopian refugee camp with her husband and children before coming to America and Signe's husband was hit by a car and killed shortly after arriving in Dallas

The family was given a home makeover by local businesses and volunteers. The project was funded by the Designer Home Tending company. Business owner, Kathy Cardenas, founder and president of Designer Home Tending, along with Salt Lake County Mayor, Peter Corroon watched the family enter their new house after the community gathered and the ribbon was cut.


"Not only is there a great need of what they need being here but they're so deserving," said Cardenas. "All the kids get straight A's, they all work very hard."

A number of business supplied materials for the makeover including landscaping, equipment, appliances and furniture. "We have her her first dishwasher, Signe has never had a dishwasher, so now she has her first dishwasher," Cardenas said.

"I have my sister right there, her name is Kathy, we really appreciate you and everyone here," said Signe's son Jamal. "We really appreciate and what you guys do, it's a fantastic house and everything has changed. When she came first in my house, I know she will change my life."

The Ebbitt's home is one of several to receive a make over in the on-going project.

FOX 13's Bob Evans reports.