Fresno father Tajinder Dogra becomes first-time homeowner

A single father in Fresno has achieved his dream of homeownership with the help of Habitat for Humanity. Tajinder Dogra and his four children have moved into their new home, marking a significant turning point in their lives. Dogra's journey has been challenging. He spent time in jail, and his children lived in motel rooms. He managed to secure a minimum wage job, which allowed him to afford a cramped two-bedroom apartment. However, he dedicated himself to turning his life around and became a full-time counselor. The opportunity to own a home seemed out of reach until he was selected by Habitat for Humanity. Dogra embraced the chance, investing over 500 hours building the house with his own hands. He chose everything from the colors to the countertops, making it truly his own. Habitat for Humanity CEO Ashley Hedemann noted Dogra's commitment to being a responsible homeowner, which set him apart from other applicants. The project was further supported by a $35,000 donation from the Fresno Association of Realtors and furniture contributions from a local developer. In a time of national housing struggles, such victories are crucial. The need for affordable housing in the Fresno area continues to grow, and Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to creating more homeownership opportunities. This new home is the 167th built by the organization in the Greater Fresno area, supporting their mission to help families build wealth through homeownership.