Sanchez Reyes - Trinity Presbyterian Church Santa Ana (Yellow Team)

Date Build: Saturday 04th - Sunday 05th, January 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Fatima

Age: 24 years old

Job: street seller

Salary weekly: $25 US

FATHER: Jesus

Age: 29 years old

Job: factory worker

Salary weekly: $120 US

CHILDREN:

Alexia - 3 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

To whom it may concern, my name is Fátima Lizbeth Reyes Jiménez. I am 24 years old and currently work as a street vendor. My family and I moved to Tijuana a year and a half ago from Michoacán, seeking safety due to the violence and insecurity in our home state. I live here with my daughter, Alexia Elizabeth, and my partner, Jesús Sánchez Garibo. When we arrived, we were fortunate to stay with relatives who welcomed us into their home. My partner quickly found a job, but his income was not enough to cover our basic needs, especially since our daughter was still very young and required special care. He took on a second job to help us make ends meet, working long hours without rest. I tried to find a job that would allow me to care for my daughter, but I was unsuccessful. Feeling desperate, I decided to learn how to cut men’s hair. With very limited resources, I started working in what i would be able. I always take my daughter with me, as I have no one to watch her, and I do not feel comfortable leaving her in a daycare for safety reasons. Our most pressing challenge now is finding a stable home. We have been renting, but the landlord has asked us to move out. We have begged for more time to avoid ending up on the streets, as that would endanger our daughter. We have worked hard to prepare the plot of land we purchased, but we lack the resources to build even a small room where we can live. I decided to reach out to your organization, known for supporting vulnerable families, in the hopes that you can help us achieve our dream of having a safe and decent home. We are deeply grateful for your time and for all the help you provide to families in need. May God bless you and your families always.

Portela Mandujano - Trinity Presbyterian Church Santa Ana (Orange Team)

Date Build: Saturday 04th - Sunday 05th, January 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Margarita

Age: 48 years old

FATHER: Enrique

Age: 56 years old

Job: construction worker

Salary weekly: $120 US

CHILDREN:

Marcos - 7 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

To whom it may concern, my name is Margarita Mandujano Molina, and through this letter, I would like to share the reasons that led us to move to the city of Tijuana. We are originally from Mexico City, but over the past three years, the neighborhood where we lived became extremely dangerous due to the presence of a drug cartel. This situation brought many tragedies and deaths, and thanks to God, we had the opportunity to move to Tijuana in search of safety and a better quality of life. Unfortunately, we had to leave behind our two daughters, who now have young children of their own. Our greatest wish is to bring them here to reunite our family, but it has been challenging due to the high cost of living in this city. While there are more opportunities here, we face many obstacles. Despite this, we have worked hard and now have a plot of land where we hope to build a dignified home for our family. The main reason for my request is my seven-year-old son, as the harsh weather conditions have severely impacted us. Little by little, we have made great efforts to build a secure roof over our heads, but we still lack the resources and support to complete our home. I understand there are many families, like ours, waiting for your help, but I want to thank you in advance for giving us the opportunity to dream of a better future. Receiving your support would not only allow us to provide a safe and dignified home for my son, but also offer the chance to reunite with our daughters and grandchildren in a secure environment. Your work is truly admirable, and I am deeply grateful for the positive impact you have had on so many families. May God bless you for the work you do and for bringing hope and happiness to those who need it most.

Rodriguez Ruiz - Life Source Church (Blue Team)

Date Build: Friday 10th - Saturday 11th, January 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Rocio

Age: 30 years old

FATHER: Hugo

Age: 30 years old

Job: worker in company

Salary weekly: $150 US

CHILDREN:

Josue - 15 years old

Allison - 12 years old

Arianna - 4 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Hello brothers and sisters. May God bless you. I hope you are all in good health. I am writing this letter to ask for your help with a house. My family and I are in need of a house. It has been some time since we moved to our land, but as a rather large family, it has been difficult for us to build a proper house. Currently, we only have one wooden room with a dirt floor. Recently, I was hospitalized, which delayed our efforts to work on the property. Fortunately, I have been discharged and my husband can start working on it again. We have three children: the oldest is a 15-year-old boy, the second is a 12-year-old girl, and the youngest is a 5-year-old girl. I ask God to touch your hearts with kindness to help us build a home for my family. I also pray to Him to give you strength and good health as you continue to help many families. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and I hope you understand our situation. Have a wonderful day.

Rosas Gonzalez - Trinity Presbyterian Church Santa Ana (Red Team)

Date Build: Saturday 04th - Sunday 05th, January 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Raquel

Age: 52 years old

FATHER: Marcelo

Age: 57 years old

Job: security guard

Salary weekly: $160 US

CHILDREN:

Jose de Jesus - 14 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

To whom it may concern, we are the Rosas González family, consisting of five members: myself, Marcelo Rosas Barreto, my wife, Raquel González Ruiz, and our three children: María Eneida, Jacinto, and José de Jesús, our youngest, who is 14 years old and a student. We are reaching out to you with the hope of receiving your support, as we are a low-income family facing disability challenges. My salary is insufficient to meet the needs of our household. We would be profoundly grateful for any assistance you can provide. May God bless you abundantly.

Jimenez Santa Clara - Trinity Presbyterian Church Santa Ana (Green Team)

Date Build: Saturday 04th - Sunday 05th, January 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Yesenia

Age: 28 years old

FATHER: Ricardo

Age: 31 years old

Job: carpenter's assistant

Salary weekly: $140 US

CHILDREN:

Ximena - 12 years old

Irina - 5 years old

Carlos - 1 year old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

On behalf of the Jimenez Santa Clara family, we are asking Homes of Hope to help us build a new home. Our current home is in poor condition. Especially during the rainy season water seeps in from underneath and leaks in the roof cause significant moisture. We are hoping for your help to provide a better quality of life for our children. Our income is very little. We trust in God and Homes of Hope to bless us with a new home. Thank you in advance for your support.

Santos Gomez - Missions Uprising (Blue Team)

Date Build: Friday 06th - Saturday 07th, December 2024

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Erika

Age: 24 years old

Job: seller

Salary weekly: $200 US

CHILDREN:

Ximena - 8 years old

Eduardo - 2 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

To whom it may concern, I am writing to share my current situation in hopes of receiving your support. I live with my two children in a home that is in very poor condition, built with deteriorated materials. With the rainy season approaching, I fear that we will get wet and cold because the house is neither safe nor suitable for living. This house was built gradually with the money I saved after resigning from a job where I worked for six years. I am a single mother of two young children: an eight-year-old girl and a two-year-old boy. Despite my efforts, I have been unable to provide a proper home. Before acquiring the land where we currently live, I used to rent, but we were constantly asked to leave, often with little notice. This made it very hard to find a stable place to live, which is why I decided to purchase a plot of land. However, I have only been able to pay for the land and have not had the means to build a proper house. I currently work as a street vendor, although there are days when I do not make any sales. I also cook and sell food to provide for my children, but my resources are very limited. It is impossible for me to build a safe home for my family under these circumstances. I humbly request your help to give my children a decent home where they will not have to suffer from the cold or the rain. As a mother, I do my best to provide for them, but my current situation overwhelms me. I do not want them to go through the hardships I faced growing up, having been raised by my grandmother after losing my parents at a very young age. I kindly ask you to consider my request and, if possible, visit my home to see our situation firsthand. I deeply appreciate your time and attention, and I pray that God blesses you.

Vidrio Garcia - Missions Uprising Wiese (Green Team)

Date Build: Friday 06th - Saturday 07th, December 2024

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Ursula

Age: 40 years old

Job: primary school teacher

Salary weekly: $170 US

CHILDREN:

Dirce - 14 years old

Andre - 13 years old

Sofia - 11 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

I am a single mother living on my own property with three of my children. I am a teacher, and through great effort, I managed to complete my degree, which has allowed me to dedicate more time to my children. My eldest son lives in Mexicali with some uncles who supported me in finishing my studies. He chose to stay there because he grew up in that environment and has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). My third child has the same condition and requires therapy sessions that cost 50 dollars each, which has significantly strained my already limited finances. Although my family has helped me, I rarely talk about my situation or ask for support because I believe I am responsible for my decisions and do not want to seem like a victim. My children’s father is also a teacher, but he neither supports nor communicates with them. I distanced myself from him due to his infidelity, and his way of punishing me was leaving me with full responsibility for our children. I did not file a legal claim against him because I feared retaliation that could endanger my children. At that time, Mexican laws were often unfair to mothers without resources to pursue legal action effectively. I have managed to move forward on my own, but as a professional, I do not qualify for government assistance, regardless of my circumstances. I live in Rosarito, far from my family, who resides in Guadalajara Jalisco, a state in the middle of the Mexican Republic. Here, I only have friends for support. I am currently in a relationship with an English teacher who has three children of his own. While his income is lower than mine, his emotional and moral support has been invaluable. As a mother, my priority has always been my children. I strive to provide them with a dignified life rooted in values and faith in God so they can grow to be independent, kind individuals. However, teachers are undervalued, and our salaries are insufficient. This is why I am reaching out for help, trusting that God never abandons us and that your organization can help us achieve the stability of a home. I sincerely thank you for taking the time to read my request and for the incredible work you do in supporting so many families. May God bless you and give you strength to continue this mission.

Zavala Cecilio - Get Off Your Heine (Blue Team)

Date Build: Saturday 28th - Sunday 29th, December 2024

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Linda

Age: 22 years old

FATHER: Axel

Age: 22 years old

Job: snack seller

Salary weekly: $100 US

CHILDREN:

Daniel - 1 year old

Ronaldo - 4 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

My name is Axel Zavala, I am 22 years old, a father of two, and my family consists of four members: my partner Linda, also 22, and our two sons, Daniel (1 year old) and Ronaldo (4 years old). Since I was a child, I have dreamed of having a home of my own. Growing up, I constantly moved between the homes of relatives, friends, or rented places. My mother often told me we didn’t have the money to buy or build a house. Although we always had food on the table, our financial situation was very challenging. My mother taught me that goals are meant to be achieved, and I’ve always dreamed of having a family, a good job, and a stable home. Despite the hardships, I’ve been hardworking since I was a child, running errands in my neighborhood to help my mother with whatever she needed. After finishing primary school, we moved to Tijuana and later to Rosarito to start from scratch. A friend of my mother let us stay at his house for a few days, but we had to leave soon after. We ended up living in abandoned rooms that kind neighbors let us use. We tried to improve the place, but we had to leave after the owner harassed my mother and sister. I don’t want my children to face the same struggles I did. I want them to have a safe home where no one can evict them. Unfortunately, we don’t currently have the financial means to build a house, especially with the added expenses of a baby. This is why I am asking for your help to give my children the secure home they deserve. We have great faith that you can help us. Whether it’s possible or not, we trust that God has the final say. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and may God bless you for supporting so many families.

Ramirez Cruz - Adovah Community (Red Team)

Date Build: Saturday 28th - Sunday 29th, December 2024

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Atsiri

Age: 22 years old

FATHER: Sebastian

Age: 25 years old

Job: forklift operator

Salary weekly: $180 US

CHILDREN:

Genesis - 1 year old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

My name is Atsiri. My family consists of my partner, Sebastián, and our 10-month-old baby, Génesis. Our story began three years ago when I met Sebastián at work. From the moment I met him, I saw his kindness and goodness, and I found the refuge I desperately needed. I’ve always struggled with my family due to serious conflicts between my parents, which led me to distance myself from them. As soon as we could, Sebastián and I moved in together. Our goal was to save enough money to buy a land and build our home. A few months later, we decided to search for better-paying jobs, as our income at the time was not meeting our needs. Shortly after leaving our jobs, I discovered I was pregnant, which completely changed our lives. I’ve always believed in God, and I feel He blessed us with our baby at just the right time. Génesis is our daily source of joy and motivation. After my pregnancy, my husband had to take on all our financial responsibilities because I couldn’t continue working. He works tirelessly, but our expenses have become overwhelming. My parents allowed us to rent a small room in their home, but they also struggle financially. At eight months pregnant, we had the blessing of purchasing a piece of land with our savings. However, making the monthly payments has been a significant challenge. Living at my parents’ house has been extremely difficult. We are not allowed to voice our opinions, and the household is filled with arguments, insults, and even physical violence. We tried to move out for the sake of our peace, but it is complicated because we have to cover rent, monthly payments on the land, construction materials, food, and our baby’s needs. We had to return to my parents’ house because we were falling behind on our payments. The problems at home persist, my parents have insulted and disrespected both my partner and our baby. My mother has even hit me in front of them and threatened to do it again. Out of love for my family, I haven’t taken legal action. However, the situation is taking a toll on us, both financially and emotionally. This is why we are asking for a home through Homes of Hope. We want to give Génesis a happy, healthy childhood, free from conflicts, shouting, and mistreatment. I grew up in a violent environment, as did my younger sisters, and I don’t want my daughter to experience the same. Recently, my husband’s medical insurance diagnosed me with anxiety and depression. I’ve started treatment because I want to heal, be a good mother and wife, and seek God to make Him the foundation of our home. I know God loves us, and I trust that everything happens for a reason.

Perez Zuñiga - First Rate (Green Team)

Date Build: Saturday 28th - Sunday 29th, December 2024

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Yeni

Age: 32 years old

FATHER: Jorge

Age: 28 years old

Job: seller

Salary weekly: $130 US

CHILDREN:

Jorge - 2 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Warm greetings from the Pérez Zúñiga family. We would like to share a bit about ourselves. We are a small family starting to build our home in a new neighborhood. While we have many dreams and hopes, we have faced challenges in settling down due to the current economic situation. For this reason, we reach out to you with the hope of receiving your support and kindness to help us build our house. We are a hardworking and hopeful family, with faith that we will overcome any obstacles. We are truly grateful to God for putting you in our path, as we believe this is not a coincidence but part of His perfect plan. While we hope to count on your help, we want to thank you in advance even if it is not possible. We deeply appreciate the opportunity to participate in the orientation of the program, as it was a wonderful experience to get to know you and learn about the mission of Homes of Hope. Thank you once again for your time and dedication.

Gonzalez Rodriguez - Missions Uprising (Red Team)

Date Build: Friday 06th - Saturday 07th, December 2024

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Fatima

Age: 37 years old

FATHER: Jose

Age: 37 years old

Job: factory worker

Salary weekly: $140 US

CHILDREN:

Marlen - 13 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

My name is José Antonio Ahuelican Cisneros, and I am from Guerrero, a state in southern Mexico. From a young age, I worked in the fields to help support my household while I was studying. I am the fifth of seven siblings, and as the oldest male, I was responsible for contributing to the family’s finances, as we had limited resources. At 26, due to a lack of job opportunities in my state, I came to Tijuana. The day after I arrived, I started looking for work to continue helping my parents financially. Seven months into my job at a factory, I met my wife and my daughter, who was two years old at the time. Initially, my wife and I spent five years renting and moving from place to place. Then, due to a need from our church and our own situation, they allowed us to live in a small room in the church building. Due to lack of space, we had to give away many of our belongings. Our daughter’s teacher suggested that my wife quit her job so she could focus more on her education, as we were not giving her enough attention. We tried it for a month, and our daughter’s grades improved significantly. We knew it would affect our finances, but it was necessary for her well-being. After much effort, three and a half years later, we were able to buy a piece of land, which we are still paying for. Due to our financial situation, we have not been able to build a home yet, but we continue to clean and take care of the land. Therefore, we kindly request your help in building a house for our family. We are grateful in advance for the hard work and efforts you put into this ministry and for the opportunity you give us. I wish God blesses you greatly.

Ochoa Sepulveda - Global Roofing Group (Purple Team)

Date Build: Saturday 07th - Sunday 08th, December 2024

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Flor

Age: 24 years old

FATHER: Jose

Age: 26 years old

Job: Construction worker

Salary weekly: $160 US

CHILDREN:

Stharla - 7 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

My name is Flor Idalia Sepúlveda Sotelo, and together with my husband, José Alfredo Ochoa Zambrano, we are requesting your support to build a house, as we do not have the means to do so. Only my husband works, while I take care of our daughter and take her to school. She is currently in the second grade. My husband’s income goes toward paying for utilities such as water and electricity, food, school expenses, and the monthly payment for the land we are purchasing. Sometimes, we cannot make the payment on time and have to delay it by a week. Our dream is to give our daughter her own room for privacy, as we currently live in a borrowed house that consists of only one room. In this space, we have everything: a stove, refrigerator, table, beds, and other belongings. Our daughter often asks when we will move to our land, which is only five minutes away, but we don’t know how to answer her because we cannot afford to build a house. We hope to move to our land as soon as possible because the house we are currently living in is up for sale. We don’t want to find ourselves without a place to sleep, as has happened twice before when we were asked to leave the homes we were living in. It has been challenging to explain to our daughter why we have had to leave the houses where she has grown up, especially since they were never ours. Our greatest wish is to provide our daughter with a stable home and a bright future. We deeply appreciate your time and attention in reading our letter. May God bless you.

Mederos Gutierrez - Calvary Church/Paur Team (Green Team)

Date Build: Saturday 18th - Sunday 19th, January 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Yazmin

Age: 31 years old

Job: worker in industrial dining room

Salary weekly: $130 US

CHILDREN:

Yazmin - 13 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

My name is Yazmín Guadalupe Gutiérrez Zamudio, I am 31 years old, and I am originally from Michoacán. I have lived in Tijuana, Baja California, for 10 years, in the La Gloria neighborhood. I am a single mother to a 12-year-old daughter named Yazmín Maderos Gutiérrez, who is currently in her first year of middle school. She is a dedicated student with excellent grades. I have been the sole provider for my daughter since she was 10 months old. Her father has never supported her financially or maintained any contact. I currently work in an industrial dining room, and until recently, I sold goods at street markets twice a week. We live on a plot of land I own, where, with the help of my brother, his wife, and a friend, I built a small 4x4-meter wooden house. We used materials left on the land by its previous owner and other items I could afford to purchase. However, the house lacks a proper floor, the roof leaks, and we do not have a bathroom, so I use my brother’s facilities as he lives nearby. My family moved to Tijuana 17 years ago under tragic circumstances. One of my sisters, who was 17 at the time, fled Michoacán to escape an abusive relationship. She intended to cross into the United States for a better life, leaving her young daughter with my parents. Unfortunately, during the crossing, she was involved in a car accident and passed away shortly after arriving at a hospital in San Diego. It took us a month to find her body and bring it back to Michoacán for burial. My parents later returned to Tijuana to confirm her identity through DNA testing. Over time, my parents tried to reclaim custody of my sister’s daughter, but out of fear of retaliation, they handed her over to the family of my sister’s ex-partner. For years, we traveled back and forth between Michoacán and Tijuana, but eventually, we settled permanently in this city. I would truly appreciate your support with a home since as I have mentioned we have gone through many difficulties. Without further ado, I say goodbye and I hope that God always blesses you.

Parra Ponce - Trinity Presbyterian Church Santa Ana (Blue Team)

Date Build: Saturday 04th - Sunday 05th, January 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

FATHER: Raul

Age: 42 years old

Job: plastics manufacturer

Salary weekly: $100 US

CHILDREN:

Ashly - 14 years old

Raul - 12 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

My name is Raúl Parra Gallardo, and I am a single father of three children: a 17-year-old daughter, a 14-year-old daughter, and a 12-year-old son. With the support of my parents, I have worked hard to provide for my family, though we often face challenges due to our limited financial resources. My parents are elderly and help as much as they can, but their support is limited. We currently live with them, but my children and I dream of having a home of our own. Thankfully, I have a job. I work hard and earn 2,000 pesos weekly, working Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. With this effort, I was able to purchase a piece of land, but my income is not enough to build a house. We would deeply appreciate any help you could provide to make our dream of having our own home a reality.

Lopez Hernandez - EastLake Church (Red Team)

Date Build: Saturday 23th - Sunday 24th, November 2024

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Bersabeth

Age: 33 years old

FATHER: Elias

Age: 36 years old

Job: construction worker

Salary weekly: $150 US

CHILDREN:

Elias - 13 years old

Esmeralda - 11 years old

Angie - 9 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Hello everyone! We are the López Hernández family. My name is Bersabeth Karina Hernández Hernández. I'm married to Elías de Jesús López Álvarez. We have three children: Elias Heriberto, Bersabeth Esmeralda, and Angie Kareli. We are from Tapachula, Chiapas, a city in southern Mexico. 2 years ago we came to Tijuana with the dream of building a future and a stable home for our children. We started by renting a small apartment, but the rent was too high. So we decided to buy a piece of land and moved there. At first it was difficult and a challenge to save for the down payment, but we managed. My husband works as a construction helper. I sometimes help out by selling used clothes at the markets to cover our expenses. Our house is simple - a small wooden room, 3 x 3 meters, with no windows. I have an outdoor kitchen covered with a small tarp. My children sleep on an air mattress on the floor because of our limited space. Nevertheless, we are happy and thankful to God for giving us hope. As parents, one of our greatest concerns is the safety of our children. Even though we struggle financially we do everything we can to ensure that they live healthy and happy lives. December brings heavy rains and strong winds and our house is fragile. We are a Christian family, and we pray to God for a better home. We leave it in His hands and feel blessed for this opportunity. We have faith and trust that He will hear our prayers.

Guerrero Salgado - Team Olson (Yellow Team)

Date Build: Saturday 30th, November - Sunday 01th, December 2024

FAMILY INFORMATION

FATHER: Martin

Age: 38 years old

Job: pensioner

Salary weekly: $60 US

CHILDREN:

Dairy - 16 years old

Camilo - 14 years old

Maritza - 12 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

To Whom It May Concern, My name is Martín Ismael Guerrero Avendaño, and I am 38 years old. I am writing to share my situation and ask for support. I am visually impaired due to a degenerative condition called retinitis pigmentosa, which doctors say will likely take most of my vision by age 40. Since 2012, my sight has worsened each year, making daily life increasingly challenging. I have three children: Dairy, 16; Camilo, 14; and Maritza, 12. They are my responsibility since my wife, Rosdaly Salgado, who was my sole support, passed away in 2000. I continued working until 2017, when my vision decline forced me to stop. I worked for a time on the beach, but in 2022, I fractured my foot, requiring nearly a year and a half of recovery. This injury, along with my visual impairment, has kept me from working. My children are growing, and I would like they can continue their education without worrying about having a stable home. We currently rent, but our landlord has asked us to vacate, leaving us with limited time to find another place. We found a rental, but it has poor conditions, with dampness and safety issues. I own a piece of land I’ve worked on, but with no income, I haven’t been able to build a proper home. My children and I live with my in-laws, who provide food and clothing for us. They are in their fifties, without a steady income, selling vegetables at the market, which barely covers basic necessities. This is why I am asking for help to build a home for my children and in-laws a safe place where my children can focus on their studies and have hope for their future. Our family has endured many hardships and losses, but we continue to stand strong with faith in God. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter, and I pray that God may touch your hearts.

Camey Acosta - Venture Church (Red Team)

Date Build: Saturday 30th, November - Sunday 01th, December 2024

FAMILY INFORMATION

FATHER: Lizbeth

Age: 28 years old

Job: street seller

Salary weekly: $130 US

CHILDREN:

Jesus - 11 years old

Andres - 7 years old

Arleth - 1 year old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Hello, my name is Lizbeth Acosta. I am 28 years old, a single mother of three children. I am originally from Sinaloa, a state in central Mexico, and I have been living in Tijuana for three years. When I arrived here, I came with my sisters, and with their help and my parents' support, I was able to secure a piece of land. Recently, we managed to build a room there for my children and me. It has been very challenging to care for my children, especially because one of them has a disability. He needs therapy, but it has been difficult for me to take him. I would be immensely grateful if you could provide us with a home, as this would greatly improve our lives. May God always bless you.

Palma Carrillo - Venture Church (Blue Team)

Date Build: Saturday 30th, November - Sunday 01th, December 2024

FAMILY INFORMATION

FATHER: Maria

Age: 37 years old

Job: house cleaner

Salary weekly: $130 US

CHILDREN:

Corina - 17 years old

Martin - 6 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Hello, my name is Maria Guadalupe Carrillo Chavez, and I am from Guerrero, a state in southern Mexico. I would like to share part of my story. My family and I came to Tijuana searching for new job opportunities. We had two main reasons for moving here: the first was that my father lost his life in the line of duty, and the second was that a hurricane destroyed everything we had. At that time, there wasn’t much support available, as there is today under a different government. Work dried up, and we couldn’t recover. We tried to get assistance so my mother could receive a pension, but due to corruption, we were unsuccessful. I have two children and, until three years ago, I lived with my husband. He left us to start a new family. The beliefs and traditions where I’m from taught me that marriage is for life and that a woman must endure everything. I was married young, at 16, and endured abuse from my ex-husband and his family. I hoped that moving to a new city would improve things, but it didn’t. When we lived together, we could both afford rent, but once he left, I felt overwhelmed, unable to cover both the children’s expenses and rent on my own. I became depressed, feeling abandoned and guilty for his leaving. After 20 years with him, I felt my life had no purpose, and I feared being alone and failing to support my children. His family blamed me, saying I hadn’t taken care of him and deserved what was happening. For over a year, I tormented myself with guilt, and my depression started to affect my children. I moved in with my sister to share rent and I received support from a neighbor who invited me to her church, where we prayed together. I asked God to stay close to me, and that gave me strength to start over. I even decided to buy a piece of land on a payment plan and I have been paying it off for two years now. Unfortunately, I lack the resources to buy materials to build a house. Between rent and food, my entire income is used up. Currently, I live with my sister, her husband, my mother, my two children and I—six of us in one house. My brother-in-law drinks heavily, and I worry about the example he sets for my children. His loud music keeps us up at night, adding to the difficulty of living together. It pains me not to be able to provide my children with a decent home of our own, as we live in crowded conditions and don’t feel comfortable voicing our concerns since it’s not our home. A neighbor offered me some wood he no longer needs, and I’m figuring out how to transport it to my piece of land to build a small room. I just want my children to be warm and safe, as my younger son has respiratory issues. I also have hypertension, though thankfully, it’s under control, allowing me to keep working. Thank you for reading my letter, and I hope to be considered for your program. May God bless you.

Toba Omocoli - Venture Church (Green Team)

Date Build: Saturday 30th, November - Sunday 01th, December 2024

FAMILY INFORMATION

FATHER: Denisse

Age: 35 years old

Job: electronics factory

Salary weekly: $110 US

CHILDREN:

Joana - 16 years old

Luis - 8 years old

Cristina - 4 months

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Hello, Homes of Hope. It’s a pleasure to greet you, and I hope you are well. Currently, my family and I are staying in an apartment lent to us at a low cost by a friend while we work on building a home on my own land. My family consists of four members: my daughter Joana, 16; my son Luis, 8; and my youngest daughter, Cristina, who is only 4 months old. I am a widow; I lost Cristina’s father nearly a year ago. Since then, I have been struggling to move forward alone with my children, as her father, who worked as a taxi driver, used to help me financially. I have been working at a factory for three and a half years, but my salary is low, which prevents me from financing the construction of our home. Joana’s and Luis’s fathers were absent after they were born, so I have had to raise my three children on my own. Joana is in high school, Luis is in primary school, and little Cristina is in daycare. My family and I have longed to own our own home for a long time, but with our limited funds, it seems very difficult to achieve soon. If we received the help you offer, it would transform our lives. I thank God that you are considering our case. Due to lack of funds for rent, which is expensive, and transportation issues, I have had to move several times. I recently bought a piece of land, and while I am still leveling it, I hope to build at least one room and a temporary bathroom on it someday. Thank you very much for your attention and for sharing God’s word. I have been a believer since I was young because my family is as well, and those beliefs have helped me overcome difficult times. Thank you once again, and may God always bless you.

Hernandez Caamaño - Team Olson (Purple Team)

Date Build: Saturday 30th, November - Sunday 01th, December 2024

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Georgina

Age: 46 years old

Job: donut seller

Salary weekly: $30 US

FATHER: Fidel

Age: 56 years old

Job: tortilla factory

Salary weekly: $90 US

CHILDREN:

Anali - 16 years old

Jorge - 11 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Hello, my name is Fidel Hernández. I am from the state of Veracruz in southern Mexico. My story is long, but I will share a little of it here. Years ago, my first partner was diagnosed with cancer, and sadly, she passed away, leaving me to care for our two children alone. My oldest was 12, and the youngest was 2; today, he is 11. Lacking resources, I moved to Tijuana, where I met my current partner. She is from Oaxaca, also in southern Mexico.

Hello, my name is Georgina Gómez, and I am from Oaxaca. I came to Tijuana hoping to find work, but my health has made it challenging. I have diabetes, and I suffered an arm injury and a back strain. My daughter is also diabetic; she was diagnosed at 10, and since then, she has had hospitalizations that require my care, making it difficult for me to find steady work. My partner and I face many hardships, especially financially. Often, our income is not enough for rent and food, so one day, desperate, we moved to a own piece of land. We now live there in a house without a roof, with only a few walls. Those first nights, we were cold and wet from the wind and rain, unable to sleep, and we all fell ill. Our neighbors helped by lending us a tarp, sharing electricity, and even providing food. Thanks to God, we now have a roof and electricity, but we still struggle with basic needs and food due to medical expenses and payments for a stove and the land. Sometimes, I pretend not to hear when the kids ask for dinner, but I tell them to have faith that one day things will change, and when I can work, I will treat them to a meal. I share with them that life is hard but remind them of God’s love and provision. I worry because I cannot afford my daughter’s medicine; she needs two insulin and a glucometer, but we cannot buy these things. I knew about Homes of Hope by a neighbor, who told us that we might qualify for assistance. This news filled us with hope. We pray to God for blessings, and we are grateful to all those who make this work possible. May God bless you for your kindness and love.