Diaz Muñoz - Calvary Church/Paur Team (Blue Team)

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

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Silvia

Age: 26 years old

FATHER: Victor

Age: 23 years old

Job: factory worker

Salary weekly: $150 US

CHILDREN:

Victor - 4 months old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear Homes of Hope Team, I hope this message finds you well. My name is Silvia Kelly Muñoz Roblero. My family consists of my partner, Víctor Manuel Díaz Valdés (23 years old), our son Víctor Antonio Díaz Muñoz (4 months old), and myself (26 years old). We are originally from Chiapas, a state in southern Mexico, and have been living in Tijuana for three years. We moved here due to the lack of job opportunities in Chiapas. Although we miss our family and friends, we decided to look for a better quality of life. Currently, my partner is the sole provider for our family since I stay home to care for our baby and manage household responsibilities. Our journey hasn’t been easy. We lost our first baby during pregnancy, which was a deeply painful experience. However, we thank God for blessing us with our son, Víctor Antonio. Last year, we started paying for a plot of land in Tijuana, hoping to establish our home here and see our family grow, as we dream of having more children in the future. Right now, we live in a wooden house, but the cold weather has been affecting our son’s health. He has been dealing with colds and fever due to the temperature changes, and we have had to take him to the doctor for treatment. With great hope, we are submitting our application to Homes of Hope. Having a well-built home would provide us with safety, a warmer space for our son, and a solid foundation for our family’s future. Thank you in advance for this opportunity. May God bless you.

Calderon Sanchez - Crusader Farms Ltd (Barry & Faye Jones) (Purple Team)

Date Build: Monday 13th - Tuesday 14th, January 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Magdalena

Age: 26 years old

FATHER: Jesus

Age: 38 years old

Job: construction worker

Salary weekly: $200 US

CHILDREN:

Jesus - 10 years old

Casandra - 8 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

To whom it may concern, Homes of Hope. My name is Magdalena Sánchez Rosales, and I am writing to request your support in improving my family’s living conditions. With great effort, my husband and I started saving money to pay the down payment for a piece of land. I worked to contribute, and with the money we saved, we paid for leveling the land and digging a septic tank. Later, we purchased wood and built a small room, followed by a bathroom. That’s how we were able to move in. Since then, we haven’t been able to make further improvements to the house because I had to stop working to take care of my children, as I had no one to look after them. For this reason, I am reaching out to you for help. Currently, we live in a room made of wooden planks, without a proper floor, which leaves us directly on the ground. This worries me greatly, as my children or we could be bitten by an animal. Additionally, the house is very cold, and the wind easily gets in. My greatest wish is to provide my children with a safe and comfortable home. I also face challenges in performing daily tasks like washing clothes outdoors, which is difficult in rainy, cold, or hot weather. Thank you in advance for your attention. I am available to provide any additional information you may require.

Perez Galvez - Project 143 (Blue Team)

Date Build: Saturday 25th - Sunday 26th, January 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Maira

Age: 34 years old

FATHER: Jeronimo

Age: 38 years old

Job: various temporary jobs

Salary weekly: $175 US

CHILDREN:

Jimena - 9 years old

Josue - 1 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

To whom it may concern, Homes of Hope. Receive a cordial greeting. Through this letter, my family and I reach out to you with the purpose of requesting your support in obtaining a dignified home. Currently, we lack the financial resources to build a comfortable house on our own. We live under a small roof that is neither comfortable nor safe for my family, especially for my two children. The lack of adequate space inside our home forces us to spend a lot of time outdoors, exposing us to the cold and frequent illnesses. For this reason, we respectfully request your support in providing us with a home that can offer a dignified, safe, and stable environment, thereby improving our quality of life. We sincerely appreciate your attention and remain hopeful for a favorable response. We are available to provide any additional information you may need.

Carbajal Helacio - Crusader Farms Ltd (Barry & Faye Jones) (Green Team)

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

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Faustina

Age: 44 years old

FATHER: Mario

Age: 47 years old

Job: factory worker

Salary weekly: $140 US

CHILDREN:

Lizeth - 23 years old

Mario - 13 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Good day and blessings, We are the Carbajal-Helacio family, and we appreciate the opportunity to share our economic situation and the reasons why we need support from Homes of Hope. We are currently a low-income family. At present, my husband is the only one working, while I dedicate myself to household chores and caring for our family. With my husband’s salary, we pay both the rent and the monthly installment for the plot of land we are purchasing. We have a minor son who is currently studying, and an adult daughter who, unfortunately, cannot support us financially at the moment due to an accident she suffered. For these reasons, we are requesting support from Homes of Hope, as, with God’s blessing, we hope to settle permanently in Rosarito. We sincerely appreciate any help you can provide.

Correa Aviles - Weaver Team (Pink Team)

Date Build: Saturday 11th - Sunday 12th, January 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Martha

Age: 30 years old

FATHER: Mayberto

Age: 31 years old

Job: tamale seller

Salary weekly: $175 US

CHILDREN:

Cesar - 2 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Hello Homes of Hope, It is a pleasure to greet you. My name is Mayberto Correa Macedas, and I would like to share my current situation. At present, I live in my uncle's house. A few years ago, he brought me here to work with him. Now that I have a family with my wife and son, he has lent me a small room where we live. In this space, we have a bed, a stove, a table, and a small cabinet. My son, who is one year and nine months old, spends most of his time playing on the bed to stay safe while my wife cooks, avoiding the risk of burns or other kitchen accidents. My wife and I work together making and selling tamales. In the mornings, she prepares sauces and other ingredients, while I make the tamales. In the afternoons, I sell them. We started this business a year ago when I decided to leave my uncle's employment and become self-employed. The main reason I am requesting a home is to provide my son with a larger and safer space to play, as the place where we currently live is very small. Considering that there are only three of us and the land has an area of 8x20 meters, having this home would allow us to live more comfortably and set up a workspace, enabling me to spend more time with my family. Additionally, I am uncertain how much longer I will be able to stay in my uncle's house since I do not pay rent. While I am very grateful for his generosity, I understand that this situation cannot last indefinitely. Thank you very much for your attention and for any support you can provide. May God bless you.

Ruiz Flores - New Season Church of Ventura (Red Team)

Date Build: Saturday 25th - Sunday 26th, January 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Laura

Age: 36 years old

FATHER: Otoniel

Age: 41 years old

Job: worker in wood factory

Salary weekly: $190 US

CHILDREN:

Kenia - 12 years old

Danna - 8 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear Homes of Hope team,

We are the Ruiz Flores family, composed of Otoniel Ruiz Magallanes, Laura Flores Espinoza, and our daughters, Danna Valeria Ruiz Flores and Kenia María Ruiz Flores. The reason for our request is that, despite owning a plot of land, we have not been able to build a house. Currently, we live in a small room lent to us by my mother-in-law. Our dream as a family is to have our own home, where our daughters can have their own space, as the room we live in is very small. As the father, I am the sole provider for our family. We have a 12-year-old daughter in secondary school and an 8-year-old daughter in primary school. My wife takes care of the household and looks after our children. It would be an incredible blessing for us if you could help us achieve this dream of having our own house. We sincerely thank you in advance for your attention and for the wonderful work you do. May God continue to bless you and allow you to help others in need.

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.