AHFA invited children in Alabama, ages 5 to 18, to submit original art that illustrates their answer to the question, “What Does Home Mean To You?”

First-place winner Aundrea Woods of Pinson presented a piece of artwork that portrayed home in a way that was unexpected--a picture of a house that was broken. When she was asked to explain her picture, she said, "My daddy doesn’t live here anymore and I feel like I’m in the middle.”

Aundrea admits that spending time with each parent is difficult and wonderful all at the same time. She was asked, "If your artwork could talk to other kids your age, what would it tell them?” Woods responded by saying, “If your mom and dad are split apart, don’t be sad. It doesn’t matter ‘cause you still have family and you are still loved.” 

While home can mean many different things to different people, at its heart, it means the same thing: a soft spot to land, a haven of protection, and an oasis of comfort. Thank you to nine-year-old Aundrea for shedding a positive light on a negative, yet quite common, reality.

Other top vote-getters were Makenzie Deanes, age 9, of Madison and Emma Jane Howell, age 8, of Mobile.

AHFA received 27 entries and more than 1,300 votes in our first-ever Kids Art Contest to celebrate Homeownership Month, a national observance held each June. AHFA thanks everyone who entered. The artwork is terrific. We are pleased that so many young artists showcased their talents.

Thanks also to everyone who participated by voting. Continue to enjoy the excellent art submissions at https://woobox.com/u3zwo9