Rueda Contreras - Brooks friends (Yellow Team)

Date Build: Friday 21st - Saturday 22nd, February 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Sandra

Age: 29 years old

Job: financial advisor

Salary weekly: $130 US

FATHER: Javier

Age: 41 years old

Job: company

Salary weekly: $50 US

CHILDREN:

Jesus - 8 years old

Jose - 3 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear Homes of Hope team, My family and I thank Jehovah for sending you into our lives and for filling our hearts with hope. My name is Sandra Contreras Contreras. I am both mother and father to my two children, José Javier Rueda Contreras and Jesús Contreras Contreras. I was born in Zitácuaro, Michoacán, a state in southern Mexico. When I was one year old, my biological parents left me in the care of my maternal grandparents and moved to Playas de Rosarito, Baja California, completely forgetting about me. My grandparents raised me and enrolled me in a school for children living in extreme poverty. However, to continue my education, I needed a birth certificate, and my grandparents could not register me with their last name. To resolve this, they had to sell part of their property and cover my biological parents’ travel expenses so they could go to Zitácuaro to register me. Just before turning 12, I was finally able to obtain my primary school certificate. From a young age, I worked to pay for my studies. I held a part-time job while attending secondary school, and I completed both high school and secondary education through hard work. My dream was to study Law at university, and I started saving for it. However, after being in a relationship for two years, I became pregnant with my first son, Jesús Contreras Contreras. My partner abandoned me and asked me to have an abortion. I used my savings for medical check-ups and worked as a domestic worker and in an auto parts store. However, the physical labor caused bleeding, and the doctor advised me to stop working to avoid losing my baby. My grandparents had always been strict, telling me that if I got pregnant outside of marriage, I would have to leave their home. Faced with this, I traveled to Playas de Rosarito seeking support from my biological parents, but I never received it. Since then, they have remained indifferent to me. Over the years, I have rented different places in Rosarito. Here, I met Javier Rueda Méndez, the father of my youngest son, José Javier Rueda Contreras. Although we do not live together, he provides financial support for our son. I currently work as a financial advisor at a supermarket, selling credit cards. Thanks to God's blessing, I was able to purchase a piece of land on installment payments, and I have been paying for it for a year and a month. I have always dreamed of owning my own home. As a child and teenager, I was often asked to leave my grandparents' house, and I also had to live with other relatives. When I heard about Casa de Esperanza, I ran to find a way to secure a home. Seeing you build a house near my land filled me with joy. It was a blessing to know that, just as that family would have a roof over their heads, my children and I could also have one. Currently, I am in a difficult situation. I was asked to vacate the room I was renting because the owner’s family needed it. Rental prices have increased significantly, making it impossible to pay rent while also covering the land payments. Jehovah provided me temporary shelter at my sister’s house, but she has asked me to find another place soon. I would have moved to my land immediately, but I do not have the means to build even a simple wooden house. I took out a bank loan to pay for the land’s down payment and continue paying both the loan and the land’s monthly installments. My eldest son also needs new school uniforms, which I have not been able to afford. I am facing a financial crisis, but I trust that Jehovah will guide me. In addition to my supermarket job, I sell clothing, burritos, and tamales to provide for my children. My priority is to move onto my land as soon as possible to improve our situation. Thank you for this incredible blessing. May God bless you always.

Fiscal Sanchez - Julie is 40 (Pink Team)

Date Build: Friday 21st - Saturday 22nd, February 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Alma

Age: 25 years old

Job: teacher

Salary weekly: $125 US

FATHER: Isai

Age: 23 years old

Job: factory worker

Salary weekly: $130 US

CHILDREN:

Caleb - 8 months old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear Homes of Hope team, We are the Fiscal Sánchez family, and through this letter, we would like to share our story and the reasons why we are requesting your support. My name is Isai Fiscal Aguas. I was the first to arrive in Tijuana, thanks to the opportunity my parents gave me to visit the city. When I arrived, I rented a small room with a friend and slept on a mattress provided by the landlord. My aunt, who lived next door, lent me some blankets to keep warm. The first things I bought were basic kitchen utensils and food. Thanks to God, I was able to find a good job, which allowed me to gradually buy second-hand essentials like a table, a stove, and a microwave. However, there were difficult times when I had to go without food because I could barely afford rent and basic utilities. A month later, my sister Isamar Fiscal Aguas arrived in Tijuana and stayed at our aunt’s house. Thankfully, a cousin quickly helped her find a job, and I supported her with her initial expenses. When we started living together, expenses became more manageable, but when she had to return home, I was once again left to cover all the costs on my own. At that time, I was in a relationship with my now-wife, Alma Concepción Sánchez Torres. Through hard work and saving, we were able to start a family in Tijuana. When my wife arrived, we struggled to find her a job because everything was far away, and she was unfamiliar with the city. Fortunately, she found work nearby. Later, she became pregnant and was diagnosed with hypertension, which led me to leave my job to take care of her. Eventually, we found a more affordable rental room, and my sister returned to help care for my wife and share household expenses. One day, we visited my wife’s aunt, who told us about land being sold with affordable monthly payments. The monthly installment was lower than what we were paying in rent, so we decided to use our savings for the down payment. We took out an 80,000-peso loan to build a home, as we could not afford rent, land payments, childbirth expenses, and food all at once. In the last month of pregnancy, my wife had an accidental fall that caused her to lose amniotic fluid, leading to an emergency C-section. Around that time, our rental contract expired, and we had to ask my wife’s aunt to let us stay with her while we finished building a bathroom and setting up electricity. During that time, my mother-in-law also came to live with us. She stays with us for a few months at a time, as her children take turns caring for her. Thankfully, our baby was born healthy, and my wife recovered well from the surgery. However, after the birth, both of us lost our jobs, and I had to find a 12-hour night shift job with slightly better pay to support my family, pay for the land, and repay our loan. My greatest wish is for my child to grow up in a warm, secure environment without hardships. My mother-in-law briefly found a three-month temporary job, but when it ended, I once again became the sole provider. My sister had to stop working due to health issues and, despite searching for jobs in factories, has not found one. Currently, she helps take care of the baby while looking for opportunities to study and work at the same time. There have been times when we could only afford necessities for our baby and the bare minimum in groceries. Sometimes, we even run out of potable water due to land and loan payments, which is very difficult for us. We often dream of living in a home with more space, privacy, and proper conditions, without suffering from extreme weather. Right now, we live in a single room where the kitchen is also located. We have placed a board to create some privacy, but there is barely enough space for our beds. Despite the challenges, we have been improving our living conditions little by little. We repaired the leaking roof, and we continue making improvements as best we can. We still have a long way to go, but we trust in God and remain hopeful that we may receive your support in obtaining a proper home. We have faith in God and believe He will always be with us.

Devora Pantoja - Alger '25 (Blue Team)

Date Build: Friday 07th - Saturday 08th, February 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Esmeralda

Age: 48 years old

Job: carpenter with Homes of Hope

Salary weekly: $100 US

FATHER: Marco

Age: 47 years old

Job: factory worker

Salary weekly: $220 US

CHILDREN:

Karla - 16 years old

Nicole - 11 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

My name is Esmeralda Pantoja Magaña. I am 48 years old and the mother of two daughters, one is 11 and the other is 16. I have lived my entire life in Tijuana, always renting. Until recently, I was living in a house that my partner had lent me, where I stayed for 10 years. However, since the property was part of his job and was sold, we were asked to leave about a month or two ago, with a maximum deadline of two months to vacate. I have never owned a home, but I recently had the opportunity to purchase a plot of land through payments. My financial situation is difficult, and it has been a struggle to provide my daughters with a decent home. Their education has also been affected due to our economic hardships. I work selling goods on weekends, a job I have been doing for 10 years, but my income is not always enough. I also take care of my elderly mother, who has a disability that prevents her from walking. Our current home was a small one-room apartment with a kitchen and a bathroom, which made living conditions very difficult due to the lack of space. My daughters sometimes had to sleep on the floor. I would love to receive support to obtain a proper home, as this would be a great opportunity for my daughters and me. I truly appreciate your consideration, and may God bless you.

Yuriar Haro - Glenmore Christian Academy MA (Red Team)

Date Build: Tuesday 18th - Thursday 20th, February 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Maria

Age: 37 years old

FATHER: Jose

Age: 47 years old

Job: driver

Salary weekly: $150 US

CHILDREN:

Jose - 22 years old

Rosario - 13 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

To Whom It May Concern, My name is María de los Ángeles Haro Reyes, and together with my family, I am requesting your support for the construction of a home. We are currently facing great hardship, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic when I lost my father and two of my brothers. My husband also suffered the loss of his mother, grandmother, an uncle, and a niece. We are a close-knit family, but we are deeply concerned about the current weather conditions, as we do not have a safe home. My husband takes on small jobs, but his income is limited and barely covers our basic household expenses. I am unable to work due to a health condition that the public healthcare system has not been able to address, as I had to undergo surgery with a private specialist. Additionally, we help support my mother, who was recently shot in the leg. This has led to significant medical expenses and legal proceedings. We also do everything we can to support our eldest son’s education, as he is a dedicated student, and we want him to have better opportunities than we had. Despite our struggles, we work hard every day to move forward. From home, I contribute through household work and do my best to keep our family progressing. For all these reasons, I humbly ask for your support in the hope of providing my family with a safe place to live.

Lopez Rodriguez - Brooks friends (Teal Team)

Date Build: Friday 21st - Saturday 22nd, February 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Monica

Age: 29 years old

Job: beauty products seller

Salary weekly: $100 US

FATHER: Francisco

Age: 36 years old

Job: Worker in an optics factory

Salary weekly: $160 US

CHILDREN:

Monica - 13 years old

Fernando - 11 years old

Luis - 5 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Warm greetings,

My name is Mónica Rodríguez, and I would like to share a part of my story with you. I became a mother at the age of 15, first with a daughter, and years later, I had two sons. It was a difficult journey, as I faced many challenges with my children, including illnesses and surgeries. Thanks to God, they are all healthy today. At the age of 23, I became a single mother of three. It was a very challenging time, as I had to take on both parental roles, working hard to provide for their needs and give them a better future. I always wanted to offer them a stable home, but with my salary, I couldn't give them the quality of life they deserved. For a while, I rented homes so my children could have their own space. However, at one point, we were asked to leave the house we were renting, and my mother offered me a small wooden room in her backyard where we could share expenses. I continued to work hard, and three years ago, I met Francisco, my current partner. Together, we made the decision to buy a piece of land with the dream of building our own home and providing a better space for my children. However, due to financial constraints, we have been unable to start construction. While I do not pay a fixed rent at my mother’s house, we contribute by helping with utilities and home improvements. Despite the challenges, we have begun working on our land, leveling and fencing it, and it feels good to have something of our own. My children love running and playing there happily. With God’s blessing, I hope to have a house for my family. That is why I sought help, and through a church, I heard about your organization. With faith and hope, I decided to reach out to Homes of Hope for support. To me, having a home would mean stability for my children, freeing us from the uncertainty of constantly moving. I am deeply grateful to God for your work because I know that many families need support, and you provide them with the opportunity to be heard. I trust that God will continue to bless you so you can keep helping others. This is a part of my life. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I will be praying for you. May God always bless you.

Gomez Ruiz - Glenmore Christian Academy MA (Blue Team)

Date Build: Tuesday 18th - Thursday 20th, February 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Veronica

Age: 33 years old

CHILDREN:

Mia - 13 years old

Francisco - 4 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

My name is Verónica Yazmín Ruiz Gómez, and I am the mother of two children: a 13-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son. I am reaching out to you in hopes of receiving support for building a home. I learned about your work through social media and saw how many families have benefited from your help. That encouraged me to try. I know it won’t be easy, but I have hope. It brings me joy to know that there are still people willing to help those in need. I am seeking this support because I am a single mother and rely financially on the assistance provided by my ex-husband, the father of my children, as well as my mother, who helps me with groceries. Finding a job has been difficult since I have not been able to find a schedule that fits my needs. My son is still very young, my daughter is in school, and I don’t have anyone nearby to care for them. I have been living on my plot of land for a year and five months. Before that, my sister and I rented a home, but we were asked to leave suddenly, so I had no choice but to move to my land. At first, we built a small room where we all slept together until my sister was able to construct her own space on her plot next to mine. Later, roads were built behind my land, causing dirt and rocks to fall onto my home, damaging one of the walls. Fortunately, the responsible offices took care of the damage. Currently, my children and I still live in this single wooden room, which has no flooring, and we use a latrine as our bathroom. My daughter attends the local middle school, which, while nearby, is still quite a walk. Every day, we walk there and back. This has made it even more difficult for me to secure a full-time job, as I worry about my daughter walking alone. I am reaching out to you in hopes of providing my children with a warmer and more secure home. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to read my request. May God bless and protect you always.

Saldivar Perez - Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary (Orange Team)

Date Build: Monday 17th - Tuesday 18th, February 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Soraida

Age: 38 years old

Job: worker in a medical products factory

Salary weekly: $120 US

CHILDREN:

Ana - 16 years old

Rosa - 8 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

To who it may concern at Homes of Hope, My name is Soraida Pérez Roblero, and I am a single mother of two daughters who are currently in school. I would like to share my story and the reasons why I need a decent home. I am originally from Chiapas, Mexico. Since I was eight years old, I had to work to provide for myself because my father abandoned my mother and did not support us financially. At times, he would become aggressive and throw us out of the house. In 2005, a hurricane destroyed our home, and we lost everything. My father returned, but the abuse continued, so at the age of 16, I left home to work. I always sent money to my parents, but when I mentioned that I wanted to save for my own land, my father told me it was unnecessary because once I got married, he would give me a house. After a hurricane, my father received two government-provided houses. He gave one to my brother and assured me the other was for me. I began furnishing and fixing it up, but when I planned to return, I found out that my father had sold it along with all my belongings. I continued working away from home until, years later, my mother informed me that my father had passed away due to alcoholism. I started a family and had my first daughter, but her father was abusive and did not provide for us. I decided to leave him and work to support my child. At one point, my daughter became severely malnourished, which forced me to change jobs to take better care of her. Later, I had another daughter with a new partner. I worked as a restaurant manager, but while I was on maternity leave, my partner took my position, and when I returned, I was told there was no longer a job for me. I moved in with my daughter's grandmother and found work as a school janitor, where I could keep an eye on my children. However, my older daughter’s father would show up and harass me, so I decided to return to Chiapas. I attempted to start small businesses selling fruit and traditional food, but they were not profitable. Hoping for better opportunities, I moved to Tijuana, leaving my daughters temporarily with my mother due to financial constraints. When I arrived, I had no family or stable place to live. I rented shared rooms, but it was difficult because many landlords did not allow children. Eventually, I rented a small house for $2,000 pesos, where we slept on the floor and cooked with a borrowed stove. Over time, I managed to buy a bed and a few necessities, but a year ago, the rent increased to $6,000 pesos, which I could no longer afford. I saved $500 to put a down payment on a small piece of land and built a tiny room where we now live. However, the conditions are harsh—it is very cold, and when it rains, water seeps in. Despite my efforts, I cannot afford to build a proper home, as I cover all my daughters’ expenses and also help my mother, who takes care of a child with disabilities. My greatest dream is to have a home of our own, where no one can force us to leave. We attend church, and I strive to give my daughters a better life than the one I had. I thank God for giving us the strength to keep going and appreciate the incredible work you do. I sincerely hope you will consider us for your support.

Sandoval Ciriaco - Glenmore Christian Academy MA (Yellow Team)

Date Build: Tuesday 18th - Thursday 20th, February 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Alma

Age: 26 years old

FATHER: Brian

Age: 28 years old

Job: welder in factory

Salary weekly: $170 US

CHILDREN:

Edric - 4 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

To whom it may concern at Homes of Hope, My name is Brian Sandoval. My family consists of my wife, Alma, and our son, Edric. We are requesting your support for a home, as our current living conditions are extremely precarious. We have made great efforts to improve our home with the few resources we have, but it has not been enough. The rains have been a constant challenge since we did not have waterproofing, and the water would ruin our repairs. Despite dedicating entire days to improving our house, the lack of proper materials made our work futile. Additionally, working under these conditions was exhausting. I would come home after a long workday, tired, with no electricity or water, and worried about the insecurity of the darkness. Our savings quickly ran out, and our home was still unfinished. There were times when I had to miss work to deal with leaks, as we could only cover the roof with tarps. Eventually, I lost my job. With my severance pay, we bought waterproofing materials, which helped reduce the leaks, although not completely. We also had to take out a loan to pay for electricity. We have been living here for a year and three months, facing many difficulties, but we have not lost hope of improving our home. We are grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this support, as our greatest wish is to provide our family with a safe and dignified home.

Enciso Toscano - Rise City Church (Grey Team)

Date Build: Friday 21th - Saturday 22th, February 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Angeles

Age: 36 years old

Job: merchandiser

Salary weekly: $100 US

FATHER: Carlos

Age: 41 years old

Job: merchandiser

Salary weekly: $110 US

CHILDREN:

Mariana - 16 years old

Fernanda - 9 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

My name is Ángeles Yuridia Toscano Castillo. My family consists of my two daughters, my husband, and our twelve dogs, most of them rescued. We currently live in a borrowed mobile home on our land, which we managed to purchase with great effort and sacrifice since February of this year. However, building a house has been very challenging because we are originally from Sonora and lack nearby family support. I financially support my father and grandparents, who are in Sonora. My grandmother suffered a fall that left her unable to walk on her own, and my grandfather has knee problems, so my father takes care of them full-time and cannot work. Additionally, my husband sends money weekly to help his elderly mother, who also lives in Sonora. Despite our challenges, we strive to move forward and take care of our loved ones. In April of this year, we faced a great loss when my mother passed away. Although it was a very painful experience for me, my husband and daughters have helped me keep going. Our resources are limited, as we also take care of our twelve rescued dogs, providing them with food and basic care. While I wish I could help more animals in need, we do what we can within our means. We kindly request your support to build a house on our land. It would be a tremendous blessing for our family and the fulfillment of a dream. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to share our story and hope you can help us. May God bless you.

Aparicio Rosas - Redeemer's Fellowship (Red Team)

Date Build: Friday 07th - Saturday 08th, February 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Venancia

Age: 34 years old

Job: factory worker

Salary weekly: $170 US

FATHER: Onasis

Age: 33 years old

Job: factory worker

Salary weekly: $145 US

CHILDREN:

Ian - 4 years old

Cristopher - 14 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

My name is Venancia Rosas González, and I am originally from the state of Guerrero, in southern Mexico, where I lived my entire life. That is where I got married and had my first child. However, things changed drastically in our community due to increasing violence, to the point where it was no longer safe to go out and work. At one point, we had to borrow money from someone to survive, but this only brought us more problems, as they sent someone to intimidate us. Faced with this situation, we decided to pay off the debt as soon as possible and leave Guerrero. We contacted a relative who lived in Rosarito, and with their support, we managed to move. Shortly after, my husband found a job, and with effort, we were able to rent a place on our own. Over time, I became pregnant with our second child, who was born in Tijuana. However, expenses kept increasing, rent prices went up, and my husband's salary was no longer enough. One day, we learned about the opportunity to acquire a plot of land through a transfer. After discussing it, we decided to take out a loan to buy it, hoping to build a home and no longer struggle with rent payments. To help pay off the debt, I also started working. Despite our efforts, the cost of living continues to rise, and with our child in school, we still cannot afford a home. For this reason, I turn to you, group Homes of Hope, with faith in God and our Lord, to ask for your support. It would be a miracle for us to provide our children with a home where they can feel safe and comfortable.

Albarran Pedroza - Moser Friends and Family (Grey Team)

Date Build: Friday 14th - Saturday 15th, February 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Graciela

Age: 30 years old

Job: merchant

Salary weekly: $70 US

FATHER: Javin

Age: 36 years old

Job: mechanic

Salary weekly: $120 US

CHILDREN:

Ofelia - 13 years old

Javin - 10 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

To Whom It May Concern, Homes of Hope Team: My name is Graciela Pedroza Espinoza, and I am writing to request your support because my current financial situation does not allow me to build a proper home for my family. I live with my couple Javin, my two children, a 13-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son. We need a decent space with privacy, especially considering their ages. Five years ago, we arrived in Rosarito and started by renting a room. Shortly after, I acquired a plot of land on a payment plan, and we have been living there for the past three years. Initially, we only had walls, and we spent a month sleeping in a tent. With great effort, we managed to build a basic shelter using recycled wood from my previous job. Unfortunately, the floor has holes that allow animals to enter, and in some areas, it is unstable or has gaps. Inside, I divided the space using curtains as we have no interior walls. The sheet metal roof is not secure during strong winds, and the walls let in dust and water. We tried covering them with black plastic, but the sun damaged it. Our bathroom is outdoors, and all our furniture is either donated or made from recycled materials. My children attend school, and although we initially had to walk long distances, I was eventually able to purchase a car on payments with the help of friends. Despite our efforts, we continue to face difficult living conditions, and I deeply wish to improve our home to provide a more dignified and stable life for my children. I sincerely thank you for considering our request and send warm regards on behalf of my family, the Albarrán Pedroza family.

Iribe Enrriquez - Porter Friends/Family (Pink Team)

Date Build: Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th, February 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Brigitte

Age: 22 years old

FATHER: Francisco

Age: 22 years old

Job: mechanic

Salary weekly: $120 US

CHILDREN:

Lowin - 4 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

We are Brigitte, my husband Francisco, and our son Lowin. We are writing this letter to explain why we need your help and to express our deepest gratitude to God and to you for making this dream possible. Our main motivation is our son’s well-being. We want to provide him with a stable home filled with love, peace, and happiness. Although we have worked hard to achieve this, we lack the necessary resources, which is why we humbly ask for your consideration. Having our own home would allow us to take full responsibility for our space and teach Lowin essential values such as care, respect, and love for his home. We wish to offer him a place where he can grow, study, and build a brighter future. We are deeply concerned about his well-being. At only four years old, Lowin displays remarkable emotional maturity. He is empathetic and sensitive, often worrying about our struggles. We want his childhood to be filled with warmth and happiness, free from unnecessary worries. As he is about to start school, we are anxious about not having a suitable space to support him during this new stage of his life. For all these reasons, we kindly ask for your consideration for this life-changing opportunity. We are immensely grateful for your attention and the meaningful work you do. May God bless you abundantly.

Gonzalez Bastidas - West Des Moines Christian Church (Green Team)

Date Build: Friday 07th - Saturday 08th, February 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Marlene

Age: 46 years old

FATHER: Juan

Age: 42 years old

Job: factory worker

Salary weekly: $120 US

CHILDREN:

Alexha - 13 years old

Brittany - 10 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear Homes of Hope team, My name is Juan, and I am part of a family of four: my wife Marlene, our two daughters, Alexha Zujey, 13 years old, and Brittany Hetzel, 10 years old, and myself. We are reaching out to you to request your help in the hope of improving our quality of life and providing our daughters with an environment where they can grow up happy. Currently, we live on a property lent to us by my mother-in-law, where we have managed to build a small room within our means. However, this space does not have flooring, and the bathroom we use is a pit latrine located outside. This situation becomes especially difficult when it rains or is cold, as we have to go outside at any time of the night. We deeply appreciate your support for families like ours, who truly need it. May God bless you abundantly.

Baltazar Baltazar - YPO Gold Arizona (Purple Team)

Date Build: Saturday 01th - Sunday 02th, February 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Zenaida

Age: 38 years old

Job: merchandiser

Salary weekly: $150 US

FATHER: Armando

Age: 36 years old

Job: merchandiser

Salary weekly: $150 US

CHILDREN:

Erika - 13 years old

Nancy - 11 years old

Ian - 3 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Hello dear Homes of Hope team, I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits. We are a family of five: my three children, my wife, and I. My wife and I have been together for approximately four years, as I had to separate from the mother of my children due to personal circumstances. For some time, we shared the responsibility of caring for them, but a year and a half ago, I took full responsibility for their upbringing, with the support of my current partner. This was because the mother of my children chose to form a new family and left the children in my care. Currently, we are living on a plot of land owned by my brother, as I had no other place to take my children. We have settled in a wooden room measuring 4x4 meters, which serves as our home for now. We trust that God will bless us with the opportunity to have our own house on the land we are working hard to pay for. For this reason, I humbly request your support.

Zaragoza Jimenez - Grimcom (Green Team)

Date Build: Sunday 02th - Monday 03th, February 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Maribel

Age: 31 years old

FATHER: Antonio

Age: 38 years old

Job: taxi driver

Salary weekly: $150 US

CHILDREN:

America - 9 years old

Ximena - 5 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Hello Homes of Hope, I am very happy to greet you and I hope that each of you is doing well. We are the Zaragoza-Jiménez family, made up of four people: my husband, Antonio Zaragoza, myself, Maribel Jiménez, and my princesses. America Gissel, who is nine years old and my other little princess, Ximena Mayte, who is five years old. We have two pets, a puppy named Boronita and a sweet bunny named Cookies. We ask for your great help and we ask with all our heart that you can help us to have our own home, which we have always longed for with all our heart. My husband also has two children that I love like my own. A girl and a boy. The girl's name is Naomy Vanessa and the boy's name is Jesus Eduardo and he's 10 years old. They stay with us whenever they can, especially during the holidays. With a lot of effort, we were able to make a down payment on a piece of land where we want to build our house, because where we live is very small. We want to give my family a better quality of life. We want my princesses to have their space and privacy, and a place where they can play with more space and more safety. And also we would stop paying rent. For us it is a lot to pay rent, the land and also for renting the Taxi my husband needs for work. The truth is, we don't have enough, and we would like to be part of the families that would receive assistance. We would be very grateful. Thank you in advance for considering our request and may God bless you.

Ochoa Cuadras - Barrett Family (Yellow Team)

Date Build: Saturday 01th - Sunday 02th, February 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Karla

Age: 29 years old

FATHER: Baltazar

Age: 33 years old

Job: construction assistant

Salary weekly: $150 US

CHILDREN:

Karla - 12 years old

Oscar - 3 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear Homes of Hope team, It is a pleasure to greet you. I am writing to share part of our life and current situation. In December 2017, we decided to purchase a plot of land due to the need for a place where my family—my wife and our two children, Karla and Oscar—could live safely. However, we were in a difficult economic situation. For three years, we paid both rent and the land's installments, but we couldn’t move to the land right away because we lacked the resources to build. After those three years, rent prices increased, and I could no longer keep up with the expenses. As the father of the family, I started recycling materials from my job as a construction assistant to build something on the land. The plot had a cracked floor, and although I didn’t have construction experience, I built walls using recycled materials. I also used pieces of wood to create a small room and placed some metal sheets as a roof. We moved under those conditions, with the help of a neighbor who shared electricity with us. That summer, we settled in, but when winter came, air seeped through the holes in the wood, and water leaked through the roof and even the floor. I tried to cover the leaks with additional sheets, but I couldn’t fix it entirely. Over time, we managed to install electricity, but due to financial constraints, I did it myself. Although I put in a lot of effort, it saddens me to know it doesn’t meet the necessary safety standards. Not only the electrical installation but everything I’ve built is precarious and doesn’t function properly. Despite my efforts, I haven’t been able to resolve the issues with air leaks, water infiltration, and the risk of a short circuit. This is how we live. We wish to improve our quality of life and avoid so many hardships, but we don’t have the means to do so. We deeply appreciate your interest in our situation. May God bless you and your ministry.

Garcia Gonzalez - Calvary Church/Paur Team (Yellow Team)

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

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Cristina

Age: 22 years old

FATHER: Alfonso

Age: 35 years old

Job: construction worker

Salary weekly: $250 US

CHILDREN:

Sebastian - 5 years old

Esteban - 4 years old

Miguel - 1 year old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear Homes of Hope Team, My name is Alfonso García Santiago, and I would like to share a bit about my situation. Before meeting my current partner, I lived in a common-law relationship, and from that relationship, my son Leonardo García was born. He depends on me as well and lives with his mother. Currently, I am part of the García González family. We have purchased a plot of land in installments and are living in a 3x4-meter room made of compressed wood. Recently, strong winds have been seeping through, making it very cold. I work independently in construction, but work has been scarce lately, which has made things more difficult for us. Our daily expenses include purchasing potable water and making monthly payments for the land, leaving little room to build a decent house. Honestly, I hadn’t seriously considered the idea of having my own home until I got married. It was then that the dream of providing my family with a proper house—a fundamental need for any healthy marriage—began to grow within me, always aiming for their well-being and stability. For this reason, we have turned to you, hoping to receive your assistance in making this dream a reality. We wish to build a dignified home where we can live peacefully, give thanks to the Lord Jesus, and share His word. May God bless you, and we trust in Him that you will help us achieve this dream.

Parra Perez - Calvary Church/Paur Team (Purple Team)

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

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Marmina

Age: 37 years old

Job: factory worker

Salary weekly: $175 US

FATHER: Gustavo

Age: 36 years old

CHILDREN:

Elias - 5 years old

Moises - 4 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

My name is Marmina, and I would like to share a little about my family. I married my husband, Gustavo, in 2010. For many years, we tried to have children without success. We prayed earnestly to God to grant us the blessing of becoming parents. In 2019, to our surprise, I became pregnant. At four months pregnant, I had an accident while getting out of a taxi on my way to work. My jacket got caught in the door, and the driver unknowingly drove off, dragging me a few meters. Thankfully, the baby was unharmed. When it was time to give birth, I suffered severe hemorrhaging and was rushed to the hospital. The doctor informed us that the baby’s heart had stopped, and I was taken into emergency surgery. Our son, Elías, was born lifeless, and they had to perform resuscitation. It was only on the second attempt that he responded, but complications arose due to the prolonged labor, causing fluid to enter his lungs. Elías was admitted to the intensive care unit. He was placed on a ventilator, and the fluid in his lungs was drained through a puncture in his back. The doctors warned us that neither he nor I were likely to survive, as I had lost a significant amount of blood. During this time, my husband had to face everything alone since we have no family in Tijuana. While I was hospitalized, he stayed in hotels or even slept outside the hospital to be available for any emergencies. After a week, by God’s miracle, both Elías and I survived, although my husband lost his job. Once discharged, we had numerous medical appointments and tests because the doctors warned that Elías was not completely healthy and had an uncertain prognosis. These expenses added to our financial burden, which we managed with credit cards, leading to significant debt. When Elías was eight months old, the COVID-19 pandemic began, further complicating our situation. My husband stopped working again to care for Elías since daycares were closed, and I didn’t have a stable job or benefits. During this time, I became pregnant again, and our second son, Moisés, was born. Currently, my husband cares for both children and takes them to school, as we don’t have anyone trustworthy in our neighborhood to help. My income is our sole source of support, and while we are punctual with the payments for the land where we plan to build our home, our debt has prevented us from making progress. Despite the challenges, we continue to persevere with faith, believing that everything happens for a reason and that God is in control. For this reason, we are seeking your support to build a safe and dignified home for our children.

Martinez Garcia - Marysville Church of Christ (Blue Team)

Date Build: Friday 31th January - Saturday 01th, February 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Celma

Age: 42 years old

FATHER: Jose

Age: 43 years old

Job: merchandiser

Salary weekly: $175 US

CHILDREN:

Pedro - 15 years old

Rosa - 14 years old

Breana - 9 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Hello, Homes of Hopoe Team, It is a pleasure to write to you and share a bit of my story. I am the mother of seven children, though only four are currently with me. Since I was a child, I dreamed of having a family who could provide me with a home, but I was not fortunate enough for that to happen. Today, I have been paying for a piece of land for the past four years, which has not been easy, especially because I am currently unemployed. I used to work at a piñata factory here in Tijuana, and with that income, I was able to cover the land payments. My life has been filled with challenges, including difficult and painful separations. However, I continue moving forward with my children, trusting in God and fighting every day. Some time ago, I came across your publication on social media and asked my daughter to apply for a home. Although she initially doubted she would qualify, by God’s grace, she now has a home. My youngest daughter, who is my only child with my current husband, gets very emotional knowing that I am applying for a home. She is my joy and my strength. Ten years ago, my husband, José Luis Martínez, came into my life when I was alone, without a home, and raising my children after my ex-partner left us on the streets. Without hesitation, he offered his support, and together we have fought to move forward. We have been renting for the past five years. Little by little, we have worked on our land, building a septic tank, a bathroom, and leveling the property, although the journey has been difficult. We decided to request your help because we believe that, with your support, we can finally provide our children with a dignified home. Even though I have faced many challenges since I was a child, I have always trusted that no obstacle is impossible to overcome. Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing our application. May God bless you all.

Marcos Santiago - Calvary Church/Paur Team (Red Team)

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

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Estela

Age: 39 years old

Job: house cleaning

Salary weekly: $50 US

CHILDREN:

Adriana - 20 years old

Sergio - 14 years old

Belen - 1 year old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear Homes of Hope Team, receive my warmest greetings and deepest gratitude for the wonderful work you do. My name is Estela Marcos Santiago. I am originally from Oaxaca, a state in southern Mexico. From a young age, I learned to work in the fields, helping my parents with harvests and household chores. I am the only daughter among nine siblings, and due to the traditions in my community, only men inherited property. This motivated me to leave my hometown in search of better opportunities. At 19, I started a family and lived in a common-law marriage for almost seven years. However, my partner left us, leaving me and my children in a very difficult situation. I decided to move to this city to provide a better future for my children. Initially, I worked during the day cleaning houses and at night in a factory. My goal was to save enough to buy a plot of land, which I eventually achieved after much effort. Since then, I stopped working at night to dedicate more time to my children. Currently, we live in a small wooden room that includes the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. Neighbors helped me build it with materials they donated. Unfortunately, during the rainy season, water leaks through the roof, which is just a tarp, and during the summer, animals pose a danger to my children. One of my daughters was bitten by an insect and had to be hospitalized. When the rains are severe, we’ve had to seek shelter in temporary housing. I work two days a week cleaning houses because I have an 1 year old baby and no family support in this city. Despite these challenges, I feel proud to be a single and hardworking mother. My children are obedient, athletic, and devoted, and my greatest wish is to give them a safe and dignified home where they can grow up happy. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to submit this application. God has given me the strength to overcome difficult trials, such as a surgery I underwent years ago for a tumor in my breast. I trust He will provide for our needs according to His will, and I hope this dream of a home for my children can come true. Thank you once again for your time and for the beautiful work you do. Receive my heartfelt gratitude and best wishes for each of you.