Mendez Trejo - Crossing Students MA (Purple Team)

Date Build: Wednesday 19th - Thursday 20th, March 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Judith

Age: 38 years old

Job: factory worker

Salary weekly: $110 US

CHILDREN:

Monica - 19 years old

Jenifer - 15 years old

Juan - 13 years old

Gustavo - 2 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear Homes of Hope Team and Ministry, My name is Judith Méndez Trejo, and I am the mother of four children. Five years ago, we moved to Tijuana in search of a better future, as the father of my children was abusive. With great effort, I managed to acquire a piece of land so that my children could have a roof over their heads and a safe place to live. However, due to my limited resources, I have not been able to make much progress in building our home. I deeply appreciate the work you do, and I pray that God blesses your ministry, granting you the wisdom and resources needed to continue your mission. For my children and me, having a home would be the fulfillment of a great dream—a place where we can live in peace, security, and happiness. I ask God to touch your hearts and allow you to make this dream come true. May God bless you abundantly.

Hernandez Gonzalez - Bethel/Sonrise CRC MA (Pink Team)

Date Build: Tuesday 25th - Wednesday 26th, March 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Andrea

Age: 29 years old

Job: manicurist and lash artist

Salary weekly: $125 US

CHILDREN:

Angel - 15 years old

Alexander - 13 years old

Emmanuel - 10 years old

Andrea - 7 years old

Owen - 3 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear Homes of Hope Team, My name is Andrea González Orona, I am 29 years old, and I am the mother of five children: Ángel Jesús, Alexander, Emmanuel, Andrea Camila, and Owen Dariel. I am reaching out to you with the hope of receiving your support in building a home, as I am currently living on occupied land without legal ownership. I cannot afford to pay rent because rental prices are too high. Additionally, I have had ongoing conflicts with a neighbor who constantly accuses me of being an intruder, which has led to frequent visits from the police, making my situation very difficult and unstable. Recently, I separated from my partner, a possessive person who continues to harass me, preventing me from living in peace. My greatest wish is to leave this situation behind and provide my children with a home of our own—a safe space where we can live peacefully. I have not been able to build a house due to the high costs, and my income is limited. I work applying eyelash extensions and nails, which is how I support my children. However, my job is unstable—some weeks go well, while others I do not get any clients. Currently, I earn approximately $2,500 pesos per week, which I must carefully manage to cover all family expenses. Raising my children alone has been a great challenge, as their fathers do not provide any financial support, and I bear full responsibility. My only wish is for my children to have their own place to live without the fear of being evicted. I would be deeply grateful if you could help us make this dream come true. I know that my children and I would be incredibly happy to have a safe home. Even if it is not possible to receive your support, I am truly thankful for the opportunity to be considered in this process. May God bless you today and always. Thank you very much.

Diaz Baños - The Crossing (Red Team)

Date Build: Friday 28th - Saturday 29th, March 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Yesenia

Age: 33 years old

FATHER: Brayan

Age: 35 years old

Job: table builder

Salary weekly: $240 US

CHILDREN:

Aylin - 17 years old

Emilet - 13 years old

Antony - 7 years old

Noah - 9 months old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Hello dear team Homes of Hope, We are writing to share a little bit about our family. We are a family of six members: four children: Noah, who is 9 months old; Anthony, 7 years old; Emilet, 13 years old; and Aylin, 17 years old. My husband, Brayan, and I, Yesenia. Previously, we lived in Tijuana in an informal settlement, a high-risk area, where we suffered from flea bites. Because of this, we worked hard to buy a piece of land. Thanks to God, we were able to make the down payment for the land where we now live. As soon as we could, we moved to the land in a trailer. We were very excited about the change. My husband and my uncle built the pit for the bathroom. We began looking for schools, and now our children study here. It has been difficult to build a house because my husband is the only one working to support the family. I take care of our baby and drive the other children to school. Our expenses are higher due to transportation, as the schools are far away. My oldest daughter studies in Tijuana, and when she enters university, we will have to work even harder. In March 2024, when we took my daughter to high school, we didn’t know how flooded the streets would be due to the rain. On the way, we saw several cars stuck, some of which belonged to your organization. They handed us a brochure, and we decided to sign up. This year, you contacted us, and we were very happy because we finally had hope of getting a house for our family. Our trailer has been damaged by the wind; the roof leaks, and we use a tarp that sometimes we have to remove because the wind blows it away or tears it. Inside, some parts are made of wood, and others are made of gray plastic. Sometimes my husband and I feel like we can't go on, as despite our efforts, we haven’t been able to build a better home for our children. It has been difficult, but we remain positive and motivate each other. We would like to be one of the families blessed with a home. For us, as a humble family, we are grateful for everything God gives us, and we also thank you as an organization for the happiness you bring to every family. We hope to get to know each other better.

Aleman Cota - The Crossing (Blue Team)

Date Build: Friday 28th - Saturday 29th, March 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Mariela

Age: 32 years old

FATHER: Isaias

Age: 44 years old

Job: mechanic

Salary weekly: $285 US

CHILDREN:

Mateo - 11 years old

Isamar - 10 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Hello dear team Homes of Hope. We are the Alemán Cota family, composed of four members: father, mother, son, and daughter. We live in Rosarito, in my parents' house. My name is Mariela, and I have been married for 11 years. Currently, only my husband works, and he is a mechanic. About two years ago, we had the opportunity to make a down payment on a piece of land, which we are paying off monthly. However, we have not been able to start building because my husband, Isaías, has two daughters from a previous marriage who are in university, and he is financially supporting them. We are currently living in a house that is lent to us, with the agreement that we can stay until our older son turns 12. He is 11 years old, and despite the time that has passed, we have not been able to start construction. For this reason, we are requesting a house, as we would like to have our own home where our children can invite their friends, have a comfortable place, and enjoy the freedom to play. Honestly, I never considered applying to this organization, as it seemed like a distant dream. However, we heard about you and decided to give it a try. Last month, we planned to apply for a loan, but we did not, as we are waiting for God's guidance. Now, we are here, hoping that this request will be considered. We deeply appreciate everything you do for families. May God bless you greatly.

Lopez Gonzalez - Easthaven Baptist Church MA (Grey Team)

Date Build: Tuesday 25th - Wednesday 26th, March 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Socorro

Age: 38 years old

FATHER: Jose

Age: 33 years old

Job: construction worker

Salary weekly: $200 US

CHILDREN:

Jose - 13 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear members of Homes of Hope, We are the López González family, consisting of three members: myself, Socorro González Contreras; my son, José Manuel López González, who is 13 years old and currently in his second year of middle school; and my partner, José Loreto López Tirado, who works as a construction assistant and earns a weekly income of four thousand pesos. His earnings are used for food, our son’s school expenses, rent, and land payments. I am a homemaker and do not have a job, which is why we are seeking your support in the hope of qualifying for a home. Having our own house would be a great help to our family, allowing us to provide our son with a secure space. Currently, covering both rent and land payments is a challenge for us, so we turn to you with the hope of receiving this opportunity. We deeply appreciate your time and consideration. May God bless you.

Martinez Martinez - LOVE DOES (Yellow Team)

Date Build: Thursday 13rd - Friday 14th, March 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Dalila

Age: 32 years old

Job: factory worker

Salary weekly: $135 US

FATHER: Miguel

Age: 33 years old

Job: factory worker

Salary weekly: $135 US

CHILDREN:

Dereck - 5 years old

Jade - 10 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

To Whom It May Concern, My name is Dalila Martínez Salazar, and my family consists of my husband, Miguel, and our two children: Jade, who is 10 years old, and Dereck, who is 5. Both my husband and I work in a factory; he works during the day, and I work the night shift so that we can take care of our children. The purpose of this letter is to request your support in building a home, as we currently do not have the financial means to construct on our land. At the moment, we are living in a borrowed house. Previously, we had to pay both rent and the land payments simultaneously, which was financially challenging. Fortunately, my brother-in-law, who lives in this house owned by my sister, has allowed us to stay temporarily while we try to build on our land. Currently, five people share this space. The house has two rooms and a kitchen. One room belongs to my brother-in-law, while my husband, children, and I share the other. The room is so small that it only fits one bed, which we all share. We also share the kitchen and household expenses. For this reason, we are requesting your support to build a home on our land, so our children can have a more comfortable space and no longer have to share a room with us. We would be deeply grateful if you could help us with a home of hope.

Mercado Navarrete - The Crossing (Green Team)

Date Build: Friday 28th - Saturday 29th, March 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Brenda

Age: 30 years old

Job: saleswoman

Salary weekly: $250 US

FATHER: Estevan

Age: 27 years old

Job: construction worker

Salary weekly: $170 US

CHILDREN:

Sonia - 11 years old

Pavel - 8 years old

Victoria - 6 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

To Whom It May Concern, We are the Maldonado Navarrete family, and we are reaching out to request your support in building our home. Since we started our family, we have worked tirelessly to move forward. For years, we paid rent while saving, even working two jobs, to gather the necessary funds for the down payment on our land. In addition to covering our children's school expenses, utilities, and transportation costs, my wife works hard selling various products to contribute to our household. However, at this time, the cost of construction materials is too high for us to afford. Our greatest wish is for our children to grow up in a safe and dignified home where they can be happy. We sincerely hope you can help us make our dream of owning a home come true.

Orozco Carranza - Project 143 (Yellow Team)

Date Build: Saturday 08th - Sunday 09th, March 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Montserrat

Age: 42 years old

FATHER: Ricardo

Age: 43 years old

Job: plumber and electrician

Salary weekly: $210 US

CHILDREN:

Angel - 19 years old

Estefani - 18 years old

Tavita - 16 years old

Elizabeth - 11 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear Casas de Esperanza Team, I would like to send a warm greeting to the entire team, whose kind hearts transform and change the lives of many people. My name is Ricardo Orozco Vargas, and I would like to share a part of my story with you. In October 2016, I arrived in Tijuana with my wife and children, not knowing the city and relying only on the support of my mother-in-law. She helped us rent a trailer home, but the space was too small for our family. Additionally, the owner had strict rules and did not allow children—only couples without kids. Because of this, we could only stay there for one month. Facing this challenge, I spoke with my mother-in-law again, and she kindly allowed us to stay in a room at her house while we searched for a more suitable place. Trusting in God, I started looking for a job and found work at a butcher shop, an occupation I was familiar with, earning 1,500 pesos a week. However, I quickly realized that my salary was not enough to support my family. One day, while working at the butcher shop, I served a customer who was looking for special meat cuts. During our conversation, he mentioned that he needed workers for a construction project and that the pay was good. I became interested and asked about the job. He explained that they were looking for plumbers and electricians, but since I had no experience in those fields, I felt discouraged. However, he reassured me and offered me a job as a construction assistant with a salary of 1,900 pesos a week, which motivated me to accept the opportunity. As time passed, I shared my situation with the owner of the construction project. He listened attentively and made me an unexpected offer: he had a large basement where he stored his tools and said that my family and I could stay there. Grateful, I accepted his generous offer, and for several months, we lived in that basement. While working on the construction site, I had the opportunity to learn plumbing and electricity, which eventually became my new profession. When the project was completed, the owner asked me to vacate the basement, which I did with deep gratitude for the support he had given me during that difficult time. By March 2017, with the skills I had acquired, I decided to work independently as a plumber and electrician, which I consider a great blessing from God. With His help and my mother-in-law’s support, we were able to rent a dignified home for my wife and children. To this day, I continue working in this profession, which has allowed me to move forward. Some time later, while doing a plumbing job for a client, I noticed that he had a beautiful house built. Surprised, I asked him how he had managed to get it, and that’s when he told me about Casas de Esperanza. That is why I want to express my deep gratitude and admiration for the incredible work you do, bringing hope to so many families. May God bless you abundantly. Sending you all a big hug. This is not a goodbye but a “see you later.”

Saucedo Gonzalez - Mission Uprising (Blue Team)

Date Build: Saturday 08th - Sunday 09th, March 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Reina

Age: 29 years old

Job: tacos seller

Salary weekly: $55 US

FATHER: David

Age: 28 years old

Job: tacos seller

Salary weekly: $55 US

CHILDREN:

Fernando - 9 years old

Marlene - 8 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear Casas de Esperanza Team, I would like to share a little about our story. We decided to buy a piece of land because rental homes tend to have strict rules and limited space. Additionally, the noise from children can be an issue for some neighbors. For four years, we moved from one house to another, as we worked at a food stand for someone else and found it difficult to trust anyone to care for our children. With great effort, we started purchasing supplies for our own business, but the most challenging part was buying a vehicle to move around. We saved as much as we could and finally bought a van—not a luxury one, but one that has helped us a lot. We began working at open-air markets in Rosarito while still living in Tijuana, making the daily commute. However, we were driven by our desire to move forward. After a year, we had to move again because our landlords asked us to leave. We used to wake up at 4:30 a.m., and the noise from the blender disturbed the neighbors. Around that time, a customer told us about land for sale with affordable payments, and we decided to invest in our children's future. We made the down payment and started building a wooden house, but we never imagined that strong winds would destroy it. After a few months, we managed to build a small room in better condition and moved in, despite it being the rainy season. The streets were difficult to navigate, making it hard to go to work. We also struggled with electricity for our blender, but over time, and with our neighbors' permission, we were able to continue. Sales have slowed, and unexpected expenses affect us greatly, especially health-related ones. Our son had an accident and broke his front teeth on a rock, so we had to take him to the dentist. Despite everything, we are happy because our children can now play and make noise without worrying about upsetting anyone. However, our room is small, and our improvised kitchen was destroyed by a hurricane. It is discouraging to see our efforts fall apart and have to start over. Currently, our windows and doors are covered with plastic, and the cold weather is what affects us the most. Our greatest wish is to have a home where no one can ask us to leave, where we are safe from the cold, wind, and rain. We do everything we can to move forward and build a future for our children, even though the situation is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive. Additionally, three years ago, I was diagnosed with fatty liver disease. Although it has no cure, I try to take care of myself with diet and exercise, as it could lead to non-alcoholic cirrhosis. I do not want to think negatively about it—I simply trust in God's will and hope to watch my children grow up happy.

Martinez Lesso - Addicted to Life (Red Team)

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

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Rosa

Age: 29 years old

FATHER: Alejandro

Age: 39 years old

Job: construction worker

Salary weekly: $250 US

CHILDREN:

Alex - 12 years old

Cristian - 10 years old

Aithen - 3 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear Homes of Hope Team, My name is Rosa Isela, I am 29 years old, and my partner, Alejandro, is 39. We have been together for 13 years and have three children: Alex (12 years old), Cristian (10 years old), and Aithen (3 years old). I would like to share a little about our story. When our second child was born, due to a lack of employment, we had to make the difficult decision to separate temporarily. I moved with our two children to Oaxaca, my partner's home state, while he went to Tijuana to find work. We lived in Oaxaca for almost five years before returning to Tijuana, where we rented an apartment. After a year, my partner was diagnosed with a kidney tumor, which required surgery to remove his right kidney. This happened during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, to cover our expenses, we started buying and selling second-hand furniture through Facebook. Six months after the surgery, we were asked to vacate the apartment, so we looked for another place. However, rent prices were very high, and we could only afford to stay in our next home for six months. Later, we moved to another house, where I met a woman who became a close friend. Over time, she built an extra room and offered us a place to stay on her property, as she is a single mother and doesn’t like being alone at night. We currently live on that land, but it is divided between her and her brother. We were allowed to stay on her brother’s portion, but he will begin construction at the end of this year, which means we will have to find another place to live. Two years ago, my partner reconnected with a former high school classmate who told us she had also struggled with moving from one rental to another. She shared that she had managed to buy land with monthly payments and, thanks to Homes of Hope, had built her home. She encouraged us to purchase a plot of land near hers and introduced us to your organization. Our greatest wish is to have a home of our own where we can provide a stable and safe environment for our children. Rent is expensive and does not offer long-term security. In our current situation, we know we could lose our home at any moment. I am unable to work to help support my partner financially, as we do not have family members who can help care for our children or take them to school. Despite our challenges, we continue to push forward. We are very grateful for the support and shelter we have received, but we dream of having a place to call our own. We truly appreciate your time and consideration. May God bless you and continue to bless your work.

Virgen Gomez - San Clemente (Red Team)

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

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Evelyn

Age: 24 years old

Job: manicurist

Salary weekly: $60 US

FATHER: Ivan

Age: 24 years old

Job: mechanic

Salary weekly: $90 US

CHILDREN:

David - 7 years old

Yacob - 5 years old

Ivan - 9 months old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear Homes of Hope Team, May God bless you. My name is Iván Emanuel Virgen Sosa. My family consists of my wife, Evelyn, our children—David (7 years old), Yacob (5 years old), and Iván (9 months old)—as well as my grandparents, Francisco and Amelia, who are elderly. I am writing to request your support in obtaining a home. Currently, we live in my parents' house, where my siblings also reside. The space is very limited, and my wife, children, and I share a small 2x2 meter room. We all sleep together in a single bed, which is uncomfortable, especially for the children. Additionally, my grandparents live separately from us. They are staying on a piece of land temporarily loaned to them by a church member, who allowed them to live in a small trailer while they oversee the construction of his house. My grandmother, Amelia, suffers from Parkinson’s disease and requires constant care, as she has limited mobility and frequently falls. The trailer they live in is extremely small; there is no space for a bed, so my grandmother sleeps sitting in a plastic chair. My grandfather has to cook outside because there is no room for a stove, and using one inside would be a fire hazard since the trailer is covered with tarp. Because of this situation, I decided to acquire a piece of land with the goal of building a home where my grandparents can live with us and receive the care they need. My wife and I are committed to supporting them, as my aunts do not take responsibility for them due to family conflicts. Their only financial support comes from a government assistance program. Our land is in a well-located area, just five minutes from public transportation and shopping centers. Additionally, our children, David and Yacob, attend a school only ten minutes away. We have been praying for a year for God to make this dream a reality. We believe He is guiding us, and we trust that your organization can help us achieve it. Thank you for your time and consideration. May God bless you and continue to bless your work.

Gutierrez Mena - Church on the Rock (Blue Team)

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

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Alicia

Age: 41 years old

Job: Saleswoman at a flea market

Salary weekly: $100 US

CHILDREN:

Edwin - 14 years old

Ingrid - 11 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear Homes of Hope Team, My name is Alicia, and I am reaching out to you in the hope of receiving your support to improve my children's and my living conditions. Currently, we live in a small house made of tarps, which leaves us exposed to rain and cold weather. My financial situation is difficult, as I work at the street market selling donated items. Despite my efforts, my income is very limited. My children and I carry our merchandise in suitcases and walk around different places to sell. The reason I acquired a piece of land was that, after the passing of my brother and mother, I found myself without a home. For seven years, I dedicated myself to taking care of both of them. My brother fell seriously ill, and while he was hospitalized, I stopped working to be by his side day and night. Sadly, after months of struggle, he passed away. Two years later, my mother also fell ill, and once again, I took care of her until her last day. After her passing, my children and I continued living in my brother's house until his wife found out about my mother’s death and evicted us. With no other options, I sought shelter at my uncle’s house, who has been the only family member to support me. Over time, I found the courage to buy a small piece of land, and with donated materials, I built a temporary shelter. However, every time it rains, we get wet, and the cold in winter is unbearable. My uncle and I share the land rental costs, as my income is not enough. He does not live with us, but he has been a great help throughout this process. I turn to you with the hope of receiving assistance in building a dignified home for my children and myself. I am not asking for anything big, just a safe place where we can be protected from the weather and have some stability. I sincerely appreciate your time and consideration, and I hope you will consider our request.

Ballanes Martinez - LOVE DOES (Pink Team)

Date Build: Thursday 13rd - Friday 14th, March 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Itzel

Age: 22 years old

Job: house cleaning

Salary weekly: $120 US

CHILDREN:

Jennifer - 7 years old

Uriel - 4 years old

Elian - 10 months old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear Homes of Hope Team. I have been praying to God for the opportunity to have a decent home for my children, a place where they can feel comfortable and safe. Unfortunately, my income is only enough to cover basic expenses, so it is not possible for me to build or buy a house of my own. I am currently alone and facing many difficulties. The father of my children left us, and I have no one else to support me. For a while, I was renting, but often I couldn’t afford the rent. Right now, we are living in a house that someone is lending us, but I constantly worry that we may be asked to leave at any moment. Finding an affordable home is very difficult, and for the well-being of my children, I truly wish to provide them with a stable and secure home.

Catellanos Morales - LOVE DOES (Yellow Team)

Date Build: Thursday 13rd - Friday 14th, March 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Maria

Age: 35 years old

FATHER: Jose

Age: 32 years old

Job: construction worker

Salary weekly: $200 US

CHILDREN:

Fatima - 2 years old

Jesus - 10 months old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear Homes of Hope Team. I hope you are found well, god bless you all. I'm going to share a little of my history how we get here at Tijuana. In 2021, I had to travel to Tijuana, Baja California, in search of better job opportunities, as there were no employment possibilities in our home state, Villahermosa, Tabasco. My goal was to earn an income that would allow us to improve our quality of life. At that time, my wife, María del Carmen Morales Méndez, remained in Tabasco, three months pregnant with our first daughter. Later, we decided that she should also travel to Tijuana so we could start a new life together. When we arrived, we faced great difficulties, living in a construction site and sleeping on wooden boards. With effort, we gradually acquired the essentials, and in 2023, my wife became pregnant with our second daughter, Fátima. It was a complicated pregnancy, full of illnesses and difficulties. One night, she began experiencing severe pain and bleeding. Without financial resources, I sold the few tools I had to help her. Despite everything, our daughter was born healthy, and my wife recovered. We continued living in precarious conditions, but with effort, I managed to regain my tools and keep working. A year later, God blessed us with our third son, Jesús, although his pregnancy was also high-risk. Later, my employer allowed us to move into a small room on his property, but our resources remained limited, as our savings had been spent on basic necessities. Some time later, I found work as a construction worker in a house. The owner, seeing our situation, started giving us clothes, toys, and sweets for our daughter. One night, my wife gave her a piece of chocolate from one of the packages. Shortly after, our daughter suddenly started feeling unwell. Since we had no money for medical care, we called our pastors for spiritual support. The next day, I managed to borrow money so my wife could take our daughter to the General Hospital of Rosarito. However, due to her humble appearance, she was mistreated and neglected. Eventually, they conducted a blood test and informed us that our daughter had tested positive for drugs. Immediately, DIF and the police intervened. We were given toxicology tests, which came back negative, but an investigation was still opened. At first, tests on the sweets we had been given came back positive for drugs, leading to my arrest and interrogation. However, later, the results changed, and the sweets were declared negative, leaving us deeply confused and powerless. DIF inspected our home and determined that it was not suitable for our children. Throughout the process, we were victims of discrimination and mistreatment. Finally, at the hospital, my wife was handcuffed, and our daughter was taken away from us. For three months, we searched for our daughter without receiving any answers. Finally, we were informed that she was in a DIF shelter. During that time, all our toxicology tests continued to come back negative, proving our innocence. With great effort, we managed to buy a small plot of land and build a room, hoping to bring our daughter back home. With the support of a lawyer, we presented all the necessary evidence, and after nine months of struggle, a judge declared us innocent. Just three months ago, we were finally reunited with our daughter. Currently, I have a stable job, but we are facing significant debt due to legal and medical expenses. The house we live in is still borrowed, and with the arrival of the cold and rainy season, our living conditions become even more difficult. My greatest wish is to build a decent home for my children, where they can grow up safe and happy. My wife is fully dedicated to caring for our children. We learned about this program through a Christian church. With humility, we turn to you in the hope of being considered and receiving your valuable help. May God bless you for the wonderful work you do through Homes of Hope.

Vaquera Nava - Mexico Family #1 Trip (Green Team)

Date Build: Sunday 16th - Monday 17th, March 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Patricia

Age: 38 years old

Job: factory worker

Salary weekly: $115 US

CHILDREN:

Luis - 11 years old

Manuel - 13 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Hello to everyone. My name is Patricia Nava, and I am originally from Zacatecas, a state in central Mexico. Two years ago, I moved to Tijuana with my children, Luis (11 years old) and Manuel (13 years old). I decided to leave Zacatecas due to the violence I endured for many years from my children’s father. I tried to seek help, but the corruption and insecurity in my hometown made it impossible for me to stay. I reached out to my brother, who lives in Tijuana, and he welcomed me into his home for about a month. However, one night, he told me I had to leave. By that time, I had already secured a stable job, which I still have today. With the help of my coworkers, I found a rental home where I lived for three months. Later, I moved to another house within my financial means, but for a year and a half, I had to relocate frequently, as I was asked to leave every four months. Eventually, I learned about land available for purchase with flexible payment options. With great effort, I saved enough money for the down payment and began making monthly payments while still covering rent. However, in November, I was once again asked to vacate my rental home, and finding a new place became extremely difficult, as many landlords did not accept children and rent prices were too high. In December, I was offered a temporary home near my land, where I currently live. A few months ago, I learned about your organization and registered through your website. I would truly appreciate being considered, as I have been working hard to provide my children with a better quality of life. I left my hometown so they could grow up in a safe and stable environment, away from violence. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Cervantes Armenta - Missing Uprising Wiese (Red Team)

Date Build: Saturday 08th - Sunday 09th, March 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Griselda

Age: 39 years old

Job: merchandiser

Salary weekly: $80 US

FATHER: Jorge

Age: 37 years old

Job: merchandiser

Salary weekly: $80 US

CHILDREN:

Victoria - 9 years old

Esteban - 15 years old

Shelzea - 17 years old

Karla - 21 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

To Whom It May Concern, Greetings from our family. We are currently facing an unstable housing situation, as it has been very difficult for us to pay both rent and monthly installments for our land over the past three years. We pay 4,000 pesos in rent and 3,000 pesos for the land, in addition to other household expenses. My partner and I work at the flea market selling clothes and second-hand items, but sales have been low since the COVID pandemic. Our weekly income ranges from 3,500 to 3,700 pesos, which barely covers our basic needs. Furthermore, bad weather, especially rainy days, prevents us from working, affecting our financial stability. We have tried to build on our land, but due to a lack of resources, we have only managed to construct a bathroom and level the ground. We urgently need a permanent home to improve our quality of life. Our family consists of six members, and we live in a very small space, which has become increasingly difficult as our children grow. They are all in school at different levels: elementary, middle school, high school, and university, which represents a significant expense. Our youngest daughter, Victoria, has strabismus and requires ophthalmologic treatment every four months, adding to our financial burden. Having a home of our own would be a dream come true and a great blessing for our family. We sincerely appreciate your time and consideration.

Varela Colin - Bonita Valley Community Church (Purple Team)

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

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Jenny

Age: 32 years old

Job: self-service store worker

Salary weekly: $150 US

FATHER: Oscar

Age: 36 years old

Job: carpentry assistant

Salary weekly: $175 US

CHILDREN:

Daniela - 15 years old

Jeslyn - 13 years old

Jennifer - 6 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear Team, We hope this letter finds you well. We are the Varela Colín family: my wife, Jenny Colín, our daughters Daniela (15 years old), Jeslyn (13 years old), and Jennifer Andrea (6 years old), and myself, Daniel Varela. We are a hardworking family; I work as a carpenter’s assistant, and my wife is employed at a convenience store. Our daughters are currently in high school, middle school, and elementary school. The past two years have been incredibly difficult for us. Our youngest daughter, Jennifer Andrea, was diagnosed with Wilms' tumor, an aggressive cancer that led to the loss of one of her kidneys. Her treatment involved chemotherapy and radiation, and there were times when we feared we might lose her. She spent months hospitalized due to two relapses, as the cancer later spread to her lung. Thankfully, God granted us the miracle of her recovery, and today, a year later, she is cancer-free. We continue to monitor her health closely and pray that she remains in good health. After she stabilized, we made a great effort to put a down payment on a piece of land, hoping to build a home for our family. However, our financial situation makes it difficult to move forward, as we must pay both rent and the land installment each month. When we learned about "Homes of Hope" and the incredible work you do, we felt compelled to share our story, hoping to be considered. We sincerely appreciate your time and attention, as well as the support you provide to so many families. May God bless you for your generosity.

Lopez Laces - Glenmore Christian Academy MA (Green Team)

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

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Laura

Age: 33 years old

FATHER: Oscar

Age: 36 years old

Job: barber

Salary weekly: $120 US

CHILDREN:

Nahomy - 15 years old

Dafne - 12 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

Dear Homes of Hope team, Greetings. My name is Laura, and my family consists of my husband Oscar, our two daughters, Nahomy and Dafne, and myself. We are originally from the state of Oaxaca, located in southern Mexico. In October 2018, we arrived in Tijuana with the goal of improving our family's future. In December 2022, we managed to acquire a piece of land through installments, with the hope of building our own home. However, we have not been able to move there due to a lack of resources to construct a room on the property. Currently, we live in a house rented by my husband’s employer, but our financial situation has been further strained by expenses related to my daughter Nahomy’s health. We trust in God that we may be considered candidates to receive the blessing of a home. We are a stable family; my husband and I have been married for 15 years, and we wish not only to be blessed but also to become a blessing to others. God bless you.

Ramirez Lopez - Trinity Lutheran San Pedro (Blue Team)

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

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Ana

Age: 51 years old

Job: cake seller and house cleaner

Salary weekly: $210 US

FATHER: Ruben

Age: 64 years old

Job: gardening

Salary weekly: $100 US

CHILDREN:

Mariana - 11 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

To Whom It May Concern, My name is Ana María López Najar. I currently work cleaning houses four days a week, earning 700 pesos per day. To supplement our income, I sell apples with chili and traditional Mexican snacks on weekends. My husband works in gardening on weekends and earns 2,000 pesos. We have an 11-year-old daughter, and my elderly father, who is ill, lives with us. His financial contribution is minimal due to his condition. We used to live in a borrowed house, but after the owner passed away, we were evicted, and our belongings were left on the street. Since then, we have moved from place to place, renting a single room, which has been difficult due to high rental costs. During this time, I started feeling unwell, and after an ultrasound, I was diagnosed with gallstones. I have not been able to undergo surgery because my priority has been securing stable housing for my family. With the support of my three older daughters, we managed to make a down payment on a piece of land, as we must vacate our rented room in August. In the first week of that month, we will move to the land and build a small room within our means. Despite the hardships, I have been making payments on the land for a year, staying up to date with great effort, even after being scammed with false property deals in the past. It saddens me not to be able to provide my youngest daughter with the stability she deserves. When my eldest daughter told me about the opportunity to receive help in building a home, I felt immense joy and relief. Knowing that there are people willing to help without expecting anything in return deeply moved me. When I learned about Homes of Hope and heard the stories of families they have helped, I cried with emotion at the thought of having a home of our own and no longer having to move from place to place. I was also deeply touched to hear words about our Lord Jesus. I have been so overwhelmed with worries that I distanced myself from Him, unsure of how to pray with faith. I would be eternally grateful for your help in providing my daughter with a dignified place to grow, play, and attend school without constant disruptions. May God bless you and multiply your kindness toward those who truly need it.

Pineda Sanchez - Glenmore Christian Academy MA (Brown Team)

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

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Claudia

Age: 46 years old

Job: house cleaning

Salary weekly: $50 US

FATHER: Hugo

Age: 49 years old

Job: construction worker

Salary weekly: $175 US

CHILDREN:

Juan - 13 years old

Fransue - 10 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

My name is Claudia Pineda Sánchez. I am 46 years old and originally from the state of Tlaxcala, in southern Mexico. Two years ago, my children and I arrived in Tijuana in search of a better life, as the situation in our hometown was very difficult. There were times when we had nothing to eat and went to bed hungry. I worked in a sewing workshop, earning only 400 pesos a week, which was not enough to cover our expenses. I fell so far behind on rent that we were evicted, and our belongings were thrown out onto the street. My children often missed school because I couldn’t afford to feed them. Those were times of deep despair, and I even lost hope. My greatest wish is to have a proper home for my family, so we don’t have to suffer anymore or see my children without shoes or proper clothing. I am diabetic, and my son Juan has an intellectual disability. When we arrived in Tijuana, I found a job, but I had an accident at work, and they let me go. Since then, I have struggled to find stable employment. Right now, only my husband works, but his income barely covers rent, the land payment, our children’s school, and household expenses. We live in a single room, and our situation remains very difficult. With tears in my eyes, I beg for help to have a dignified home for my family. Last year, my youngest child became ill and was diagnosed with asthma, but at the time, we couldn't afford the medical tests he needed. We were only able to complete them this week. There have been days when all we have to eat is beans. I pray to God for strength and for kindhearted people who may be able to help us. I deeply appreciate any support you can provide.