“Words cannot explain my feeling—the tears ran down my face instantly when I was congratulated.”
For the past nine years, Elena Gomez has worked with the Pinellas County School District as both a school crossing guard and a school lunch aide. She is known in her community as responsible, honest, and hardworking, but above all, she is a devoted mother who puts her children first.
Elena’s children—Yilaiya, 11, Jose Yandel, 8, and Quintin, 6—are full of energy and love spending time outdoors. Swimming, sports, and staying active keep them busy and happy. Elena describes her children as the center of her world, and she looks forward to providing them with the stable home they deserve.
Currently, Elena and her children have been living in borrowed space with others. The arrangement is cramped and far from school and work, making daily life more stressful. “Not having a place to call home has saddened my kids and myself throughout this time,” Elena shared.
When she found out she was accepted into the Habitat program, Elena was overwhelmed with emotion. “It was the sky opening up—I was so happy that I couldn’t speak,” she said. “Ever since acceptance day, my heart just skips beats when I think of the day I walk into MY HOUSE!”
Elena looks forward to the peace and stability that homeownership will bring. She dreams of the day she can turn the key, walk inside, and know she owns a safe haven for her children.
For Elena, the meaning of home is simple yet powerful: “Home is where I can put my head to rest.”
This home is sponsored by
