WPO AZ Red Team- Vazquez Reyes Family

Build Dates: January 30th & 31st

Family Information:

Mother- Maria

• Age: 35
• Profession:
• Daily Salary: $8.70

Children-

• Alexis, 14 yrs, 8th Grade (boy)
• Maria, 12 yrs, 6th Grade (girl)
• Diana, 7 yrs, 2nd Grade (girl)
• Pablo, 4 yrs, Kindergarten (boy)

Property Information:

Colonia- Los Olivos, Maneadero
Time with property- 6 months
Electricity- No
Running Water- No

Family Story:

Maria is from Oaxaca. She is a single mother. Both her previous husbands cheated on her, so she decided it was best for her to just be on her own instead of being disrespected. She has been single for 3 years now and has dedicated everything to her children. She works from 6 pm to 1 am while her children are alone at home. Alexa and Maria are children from her first marriage, Diana and Pablo are from the second. She used to live in a small house that they rented before deciding to get a piece of land. The neighbors helped her to put up the structure where they currently live. The structure they live in is made of scrap wood, dirt floor, and a tarp on the roof. This family is in much need for a home.

WPO Chicago Blue Team- Rivera Family

Build Dates: January 16 & 17

Family Information:

Father- Salvador

• Age: 43
• Profession: Maintenance
• Weekly Salary: $50

Mother- Brisa

• Age: 37

Children-

• Aaron, 2 yrs (boy)

Property Information:

Colonia- Simon Bolivar
Time with property- 3 months
Electricity- No
Running Water- Yes

Family Story:

Salvador and Brisa met when Brisa was 15 years old. They got married after Brisa became pregnant and had a daughter. After 4 1/2 years together, they separated because Salvador was struggling with a drug addiction and was physically abusive toward Brisa. 7 years later Salvador reached out to Brisa and they got back together, but nothing had changed and he continued to be unstable and irresponsible at home. They were living in a home in another area of the city where they had no electricity, water, or any sewage system, and because of this, they decided to look into getting their own land. The land they bought doesn't have electricity or sewage either, but there is water. During these past 3 years, Salvador is doing better and is working at a fishery cooperative doing maintenance.  2 years ago they had another child, this time a son, and their oldest daughter has been living with the grandma. Their son was born with allergic rhinitis and suffers greatly from allergies. He has to breathe through his mouth and is in need of an operation to correct the problem. They live in a small house made of pallets and scrap wood, a dirt floor, and tarp covered roof.

WPO Chicago Red Team- Loera Rodriguez Family

Build Dates: January 16 & 17

Family Information:

Father- Haram

• Age: 27
• Profession: Sells Secondhand Items
• Weekly Salary: $36-$42

Mother- Sonia

• Age: 21
• Profession: Cleans Houses
• Weekly Salary: $36

Children-

• Mayelin, 11 yrs, down syndrome (girl)
• Yoseline, 9 yrs, 2nd Grade (girl)
• Brandon, 3 yrs (boy)

Property Information:

Colonia- Marquez de Leon
Time with property- 1 year
Electricity-
Running Water-

Family Story:

Haram and Sonia have been married for 5 years. Haram was a single father because his daughter's mother abandoned them and went to live with another man. Haram later married Sonia and they had a son together. Haram's grandfather sold them the piece of land where they currently live in a small trailer borrowed to them for a year. The trailer is very old and in bad conditions. They built a small room on their land because the small trailer wasn't enough. The cold is here and they are struggling.

Greentree Green Team- Conde Ramirez Family

Build Dates: January 16 & 17

Family Information:

Father- Bravlio

• Age: 31
• Profession: Field Worker
• Weekly Salary: $60

Mother- Olga

• Age: 30
• Profession: Homemaker

Children-

• Eugenio, age 6, 1st Grade (boy)
• Jania, 10 yrs, 6th Grade

Property Information:

Colonia- Las Tinajitas
Time with property- 1 year
Electricity- Yes
Running Water- No

Family Story:

Olga is originally from Oaxaca.She came to Ensenada with her family when she was 18 years old. After coming to Ensenada she met a man and they had a baby together. She didn't stay with him because he was physically abusive and addicted to drugs. With the help of her parents though, she was able to care for her new daughter. At the age of 20 she crossed illegally into the United States to work at a strawberry field and left her newborn daughter with her mother. While in the USA, she met Bravlio and he eventually proposed and they were married in 2008. Bravlio accepted Jania as his own and in 2009 they had a son together, Eugenio. Jania has stayed in Sinaloa with her grandma because her mother, Olga, and Bravlio haven't had the opportunities to establish themselves well here in Ensenada. Bravlio works in the fields and Olga doesn't work because she struggles with migraines and high blood pressure. Eugenio is the only one that lives with them and is in the 1st grade. Jania is in the 6th grade, but the plan is that she will move back with her mother. Olga's father lives with them as well as he had to leave SInaloa due to health complications that he suffered due to the climate.

Greentree Orange Team- Gastelum Puente Family

Build Dates: January 16 & 17

Family Information:

Father- Francisco

• Age: 21
• Profession: Field Worker
• Weekly Salary: $55

Mother-Erika

• Age: 21
• Profession: N/A

Children-

• Eder Daniel, 3 yrs (boy)

Property Information:

Colonia- Paraiso
Time with property- 2 years
Electricity- Yes
Running Water- No

Family Story:

Francisco and Erika met when they were 16 in Sinaloa and that is when they decided to get together. After 3 months, they were pregnant. After their son was born, that is when things got hard and they decided to move to Ensenada. Their family used to live here and so they all decided to return. After arriving, they rented a couple rooms for $25 a month. They had no space though and decided to get land and have their own place. They got land and there they built the house where they currently live. Francisco works, and Erika's mother helps them to pay the land. Erika takes care of her son and her 6 year old little brother. Erika and Francisco's son struggles with bronchitis and is frequently in the hospital because of it. Their house has no door and doesn't protect against the wind and dust, making it harder on their son to be well. They both dropped out of school at a young age. Francisco completed elementary and Erika completed Jr High. It is hard for them to find good jobs with higher salaries because of this. Erika's mom lives with them and isn't in the best health right now. She suffers from high blood pressure and diabetes. Erika's 6 year old brother is in school.

Greentree Yellow Team- Cruz Romero Family

Build Dates: January 16 & 17

Family Information:

Father- Francisco

• Age: 55
• Profession: Field Worker
• Weekly Salary: $67

Mother- Maria Elena

• Age: 42
• Profession: Field Worker
• Weekly Salary:$18

Children-

• Marcelo, 14 yrs, 8th Grade (boy)
• Crista, 9 yrs, 5th Grade (girl)
• Anayeli, 8 yrs, 3rd Grade (girl)

Property Information:

Colonia- Paraiso
Time with property- 4 months
Electricity- No
Running Water- No

Family Story:

Maria Elena is originally from Oaxaca, but came to Ensenada 18 years ago due to work and money. She came with a daughter she had while in Oaxaca. After coming here, she got together with a man and they had 3 children. They separated and he was never responsible for his kids. Elena had to work in the fields in order to take care of her children. Elena met another man and they have been together 9 years. They bought land together and built a house from scrap wood and tarps. Elena and Francisco both work in the fields but their salary is low. and they are unable to do more. This family needs a house because the youngest daughter is sick often due to the living conditions they're in, and they are unable to make rent payments in order to move. 

Greentree Blue Team- Salvador Hernandez Family

Build Dates: January 16 & 17

Family Information:

Father- Rufino

• Age: 24
• Profession: Field Worker
• Weekly Salary: $55

Mother- Erika

• Age: 20
• Profession: N/A

Children-

• Luis Angel, 5 yrs (boy)

Property Information:

Colonia- Maneadero
Time with property- 1 year
Electricity- Yes
Running Water- Yes

Family Story:

Rufino and Erika got together when Erika was 14 years old; they have lived together ever since with Rufino's mother. They lived there for 3 years until Rufino's brother kicked them out. There were too many people living there and the land belonged to him, not their mother. Rufino was forced to buy his family their own land and they started out living under tarps until they were given some scrap wood that could be used to build a house. Rufino has been working the same job since he was 14 and he earns 900 pesos a week. Rufino and Erika have a 5 year old son who will be starting Kindergarten next year. It has been very difficult for them to build something better. Their current house is made of scrap wood, has a dirt floor and a lot of insects inside which could be dangerous. For 4 years they have been members of a christian church and they have faith that one day they will have a real home for their family.

Greentree Purple Team- Gonzalez Roblero Family

Build Dates: January 16th & 17th

Family Information:

Father- Rogelio

• Age: 32
• Profession: Factory Worker
• Weekly Salary: $52

Mother- Mirelia 777

• Age: 31
• Profession: Factory Worker
• Weekly Salary: $64

Children-

• Jaqueline, 13 yrs, 8th Grade (girl)
• Diego, 9 months (boy)

Property Information:

Colonia- Las Flores
Time with property- 8 years
Electricity-
Running Water-

Family Story:

Rogelio and Mirelia are from Chiapas and here in Ensenada is where they got together. They were renting a place near where they both work. A year after getting together, Jaqueline was born, and Mirelia continued working. Jaqueline was left with people Mirelia trusted to care for her while she was working. Mirelia struggled to get pregnant after Jaqueline. When Jaqueline was 5, she did get pregnant, but it was an ectopic pregnancy where the baby developed on the outside of the uterus. They did a c-section, but one of the ovaries became infected and had to be removed and she was left with only one. She was then no longer able to get pregnant. After 8 years, Mirelia did get pregnant again and Diego was born. At first, there were no complications; but when Diego was born, he had respiratory problems, but is doing well today. Both Mirelia and Rogelio work in a factory from 7am to 5pm. An aunt sold them the piece of land they own. She sold it to them so they could stop paying rent and own their own place. The land is paid for and they have been living there for 8 years. They bought a trailer 8 years ago and that is where they have lived ever since.

Greentree Red Team- Arambula Perez Family

Build Dates: January 16 & 17

Family Information:

Mother- Elvia

• Age: 47
• Profession: Cleans bathrooms at Circle K
• Weekly Salary: $50

 

 

Children-

• Cecila, 16 yrs (unable to speak)
• Diego, 12 yrs, 6th Grade
• Marely, 9 yrs, 4th Grade

Property Information:

Colonia- Basurero Viejo
Time with property- 4 months
Electricity- No
Running Water- No

Family Story:

Elvia is a single mother. She left her first husband (the father of Cecilia and Diego) when Diego was born. She met another man and they had Marely, but they later separated as well. She decided it was best for her to live alone after it not working out with other men. Elvia works at a gas station (Circle K) and cleans the bathrooms from 7am to 3pm. Right now she is looking for another job closer to where they live. She leaves for work before the children go to school and has to be sure they have everything they need before she leaves, they are then left to get themselves to school and home. The oldest, Cecila, was born with a disability and is unable to speak. Elvia's first husband used to beat Cecila when she was only 2 years old, he was Cecila's biological father. Elvia thinks that maybe more abuse went on as Cecila to this day doesn't like people to touch her or hug her. Elvia rented a house until she had the chance to get a piece of land on credit. She moved her family there and a friend lent her a small trailer for them to live in. The trailer is small and not in good conditions. It has been a lot of sacrifice for Elvia to be able to make the payments on her land and on her own, she is unable to be able to build a proper home for her children.

New Life-

Build Dates: December 31st & January 1st

Family Information:

Mother- Viridiana

• Age:33
• Profession: Peddler
• Weekly Salary: $31

Children-

• Jorge, 15 yrs, 7th Grade (boy)
• Jose, 14 yrs, 7th Grade (boy)
• Maria Valentina, 8 yrs, 3rd Grade (girl)
• Javier, 6 yrs, Kindergarten (boy)

Property Information:

Colonia- San Francisco
Time with property- 
Electricity- No
Running Water- No

Family Story:

Viridiana was living with her mother when she found out about these plots of land for sale on credit. She applied for one and begin making payments. A couple months ago she built a structure on the land using pieces of wood given to her by her parents. The father of Jose and Jorge doesn't help them in any way; the other children's father will sometimes help financially. Viridiana works selling beauty products, but doesn't have a stable salary from that. The youngest son, Javier, suffered from a stroke on the right side and was left with a partial paralysis of the right side of his body. He receives therapy, is able to walk, and is getting better little by little. He is able to speak, but not very clear. It is very hard on Viridiana to cover all their household and personal expenses from transportation and food, to Javier's therapy, and payments on their land. Viridiana lives alone with the children and because of that, is unable to have a full-time job. The only support she gets is occasional help from one of the father's and her parents. 

Calvary Chapel- Hernandez Amador Family

Build Dates: December 29th & 30th

Family Information:

Mother- Monica

• Age: 29
• Profession: Tortilla Maker
• Weekly Salary: $50

Children-

• Cristian, 13 yrs, 7th Grade (boy)
• Kenia, 9 yrs, 4th Grade (girl)

Property Information:

Colonia- 89
Time with property- 
Electricity- No
Running Water- No

Family Story:

Monica met the father of her children when she was 15 years old and they were together for 7 years and they had 2 children. But he left them 3 months after the birth of their daughter. It was very hard for them as the girl was born with respiratory problems and suffers from asthma attacks frequently. When she was little she was hospitalized often, sometimes for up to a week. She is more stable now and hasn't suffered an attack in the past year. The son has been very strong and healthy; and he has never stopped studying. Monica works mornings at a tortilla shop. She and the kids have always lived with Monica's father because he is alone and appreciated the help around the home. Monica's brother also lives there and has caused problems for them because he doesn't like all the noise or the lack of space with having the kids.

True U Purple Team- Martinez Rizos Family

Build Dates: December 5th & 6th

Family Information:

Father- Joel

• Age: 23
• Profession: Works at Gas Station
• Weekly Salary: $56

Mother- Brenda

• Age: 23
• Profession: N/A
• Weekly Salary: N/A

Children-

• Brianna, 5 yrs, Kindergarten (girl)
• Poleth, 2 yrs, Preschool (girl)

Property Information:

Colonia- Portal de Las Brisas
Time with property- 
Electricity- No
Running Water- No

Family Story:

Joel and Brenda are from Michoacan, where Joel worked at a grocery store until he was laid off. It was then very difficult to find a good job. Michoacan is suffering from great economical problems and drug traffickers. His wife Brenda didn't want him to feel pressured to enter into the world of drugs, so they decided it was best to move. They came to Ensenada where Brenda's sister was living. At first they were living with Brenda's sister, but they had a lot problems with that and decided to rent their own place. Joel found a stable job working at a gas station. They rented the house fro a year and a half but found it difficult to be able to keep making the payments on Joel's salary. They stopped renting and found a piece of land to buy on credit. They moved their family to their land where they now live in a small house they made from old pallets.

True U Blue Team- Lopez Salvador Family

Build Dates: December 5th & 6th

Family Information:

Father- Gumaro

• Age: 32
• Profession: Field Worker
• Weekly Salary: $63

Mother- Petra

• Age: 30
• Profession: N/A
• Weekly Salary: N/A

Children-

• Leonardo, 8 yrs, 1st Grade (boy)
• Daniela, 5 yrs (girl)

Property Information:

Colonia- Miramar
Time with property- 
Electricity- No
Running Water- No

Family Story:

Gumaro and Petra are from Oaxaca. They came to Ensenada 7 years ago due to a lack of money and work in Oaxaca. Petra and Gumaro have been married for 8 years and have 2 children. Petra's family is also living with them at the moment. Gumaro is currently unable to speak due to an accident 6 years ago that left him without his voice. Petra stays home to care for their children while Gumaro works. They live in a small house made mostly of tarps with a dirt floor, it is in very bad conditions. They have no money to use to build them a proper home. This family has never had their own home and their daughter who is five has been raised in in very poor conditions. They have faith that one day they will be able to have something better.  

True U Red Team- Serapio Santos Family

Build Dates: December 5th & 6th

Family Information:

Father- Roberto

• Age: 24
• Profession: Packer
• Weekly Salary: $62

Mother- Marcela

• Age: 27
• Profession: N/A
• Weekly Salary: N/

Children-

• Imelda, 8 ys, 1st Grade (girl)
• Samuel, 5 yrs, Kindergarten (boy)
• Josue, 3 yrs (boy)
• Elias, 8 months (boy)

Property Information:

Colonia- Paraiso
Time with property- 
Electricity- No
Running Water- No

Family Story:

Roberto came to Ensenada in 2005 when he started working on a ranch for 4 years. At that time he was accused of theft and decided to leave and go to San Quentin where he worked for 5 years. He recently moved to Ensenada and found work at a packing facility. He met Marcela while at the ranch and have been together since 2007. After renting small rooms for years, they decided it was best to invest in a piece of land. They got a lot on credit and currently make payments around $60 a month. Roberto built them a very small place that measures 2.5 meters on each side. He bought the beams and wood and tied it together with cardboard; their roof is plastic and tarps. They have lived on their property for 4 months now.  

Defenders Blue- Martinez Lopez Family

Build Dates: November 27th & 28th

Family Information:

Father- Ismael

• Age: 23
• Profession:
• Weekly Salary: $54

Mother- Norma

• Age: 22
• Profession: None

Children-

• Gustavo
• Gerardo

Property Information:

Colonia- Basurero Viejo
Time with property- 1 year
Electricity- No
Running Water- No

Family Story:

Norma and Ismael are from Oaxaca. They met in Oaxaca and came to Ensenada together 3 years ago looking for better work and a better future for their children. For two years they rented a small room that was in bad conditions. In the meantime, Ismael was looking for a good, stable job. Ismael now has a job and earns around $54 a week, but that isn't enough to make ends meet. He works from 7 am to 3:30 pm packing vegetables. They now have two small sons in diapers who require a lot of attention and Norma stays home with them because they don't have anyone else to watch them in order for Norma to work.

Defenders Red- Martinez Sanchez Family

Build Dates: November 27th & 28th

Family Information:

Father- Macario

• Age: 34
• Profession: Field Worker
• Salary: $8.80/day

Mother- Maricela

• Age: 28

Children-

• Adriana, 10 yrs, 5th Grade (girl)
• Javier, 5 yrs, Kindergarten (boy)
• Luis, 3 yrs (boy)

Property Information:

Colonia- Basurero Viejo
Time with property- 7 months
Electricity- No
Running Water- No

Family Story:

Macario and Maricela are both originally from Oaxaca. They came to Ensenada looking for work because in Oaxaca there aren't many options. At the time they only had their daughter Adriana. Macario found work with his cousins and with others who offered him jobs here and there. They had two more children while living in a place that one of Macario's cousins lent them. Macario was able to get land on credit and there he built a room from plywood and plastic for his family to live in. Where there land is used to be a garbage dump. Macario currently works in the fields and his schedule is from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm; Maricela stays home caring for their 3 children. It has been difficult for them to be able to build something because they do not have the resources needed to do so.

Seattle Church Red- Gomez Santiago Family

Build Dates: November 23rd-25th

Family Information:

Father- Armando

• Age: 23
• Profession: Works at Fruit Store
• Weekly Salary: $57

Mother- Silvia

• Age: 20
• Profession: Homemaker

Children-

• Evelin, 3 yrs, Preschool (boy)
• Sofia, 4 yrs, Kindergarten (girl)

Property Information:

Colonia- Paraiso
Time with property- 1 year
Electricity- No
Running Water- No

Family Story:

Armando and Silvia met at a very young age while working in the fields, he was 17 and she was 15. A year after getting together they had their first daughter Sofia, and later they had their second daughter Evelyn. During that time they were living with Silvia's family, but due to problems within the family they had to move out. They went to live on a ranch and work there as laborers. The girls were there with them while they worked because they didn't have anyone to help. This situation was very hard for them, but one of Silvia's brothers approached them and insisted that Armando go and work for him instead. They moved once again and over time were able to get a piece of land on credit and with the help of Silvia's brother they were able to get some wood and and build a place for them to live. What they used to build the walls was borrowed and at some point they may need to give them back. If this happens they do not have another option for a place to live. They have tried to buy the materials they need to build a better home, but sometimes it is too difficult.

Seattle Church Blue- Cortez Santiago Family

Build Dates: November 23rd-25th

Family Information:

Father- Luis

• Age: 30
• Profession: Works at a Fruit Store
• Weekly Salary: $53

Mother- Trinidad

• Age: 22
• Profession: Homemaker

Children-

• Victor Manuel, 5 yrs, Kindergarten (boy)
• Jazmin Lili, 2 yrs (girl)

Property Information:

Colonia- El Veladero
Time with property- 3 months
Electricity- No
Running Water- No

Family Story:

Trinidad and her husband lived with her sister-in-law and they take care of the house when the sister-in-law was away. The sister-in-law kicked them out and Trinidad and Luis had to find a place to live. They got a piece of land on credit and lived there for a long time, without a bathroom or materials to build a house. Where they live there are lots of ticks and other insects because of the dirt and Luis hasn't had the money to lay a cement floor. Trinidad has another sister-in-law that is sick down south and Luis wants to visit her, but hasn't been able to. Trinidad has to work along with Luis just for them to be able to pay for the basic expenses of their family. This family needs a house because they don't have the resources needed to do something more stable and better for their children. Their children are very young and struggle with sickness because of the conditions they live in. Their roof is bad and there are holes and openings throughout their place where the wind and rains enter.

Seattle Church Green- Solana Martinez Family

Build Dates: November 23rd-25th

Family Information:

Father- Irene

• Age: 40
• Profession: Disabled
• Weekly Salary: N/A

Mother- Margarita

• Age: 39
• Profession: Homemaker
• Weekly Salary: N/A
   

Children-

• Jared, 7 yrs, 2nd Grade
• Darwin, 18 yrs, works
• Uriel, 19 yrs, works
• Ulises, 21 yrs, works

Property Information:

Colonia- Paraiso
Time with property- 2 years
Electricity- Yes
Running Water- They Buy Water

Family Story:

Margarita and Irene left Oaxaca 6 years ago and went to live in La Paz, but Irene ran into the same problems they had in Oaxaca- a lack of work and not enough money to pay the bills. He decided to move the family to Ensenada where they found a home to rent. They were struggling to pay the rent so they decided to get a piece of land on credit even though that would leave them with no money as well but it was better because in the future they would own it. Irene was in a work related accident last November and because of that, he hasn't been able to find work as he is unable to lift heavy things. His three oldest boys had to give up studying in order to help their parents. This family have been living on their land for 2 years. They built a home from cardboard, old wood, plastic and tarps. The youngest son Jared has problems with anemia and has to be taken to the doctor every 2 months to get treated for it. This family is unable to build a home for themselves. They know that God is faithful and will provide a home for their children when it is the right time.

Next Step Advisor's- Martinez Vazquez Family

Build Dates: November 13th & 14th, 2015

Family Information:

Father- Antonio

• Age: 47
• Profession: Works on a Ranch
• Weekly Salary:

Mother- Zoila

• Age: 41
• Profession: Housekeeper
  • Salary: $25 for 2 days work every week

Children-

• Luis, 13 yrs, 7th Grade (boy)

Property Information:

Colonia- Fracc. Arce
Time with property- 1 year
Electricity-No
Running Water- They buy water

Family Story:

Antonio and Zoila are from Oaxaca. They had moved to the USA illegally and there is where they had their 2 children. 5 years ago they decided to return to Mexico because they couldn't find good work and the rent was expensive. When they got back to Mexico they decided to buy a piece of land on credit here in Ensenada. A neighbor helped them by giving them a little trailer, but that trailer is not in good conditions anymore. They have tried to buy beams and wood in order to build something, but have been unable to. They have 2 children, but Melina their daughter, doesn't live with them. Melina has kidney problems and stayed in the USA to receive medical treatments. Melina lives with some people they know and works to be able to pay for her expenses there. Zoila works cleaning houses 2 or 3 times a week and Antonio works at a ranch feeding horses twice a day for 3 hours each time. They also send their daughter money to cover her rent. At the moment, they are unable to build themselves a house.