“We imagine a place of stability to be able to focus on the more important things in life and not on worrying if we’ll have a place to stay as each month passes.”
The fun and energetic Gonzalez family is on their journey towards homeownership with Habitat. Edgardo, the father and husband in the family, is the manager at Pipo’s Cuban Cafe and has worked there for 11 years. He describes himself as a hard-working father who loves to see his family happy and healthy. He is married to his wife, Chakkita. The couple has two children, Tamaria and Ilias. Tamaria is 23 and is a Pharmacy Technician at Walmart Pharmacy where she has worked for over two years. She enjoys singing, reading, and interior decorating. Ilias is the youngest in the family. He is almost 15 years old and loves playing video games, chatting with his friends, and taking care of his two little pet turtles. As a family, the Gonzalez’s like to cook, watch movies together and laugh. Music also helps bring them together. They strive to live a life with the least amount of stress possible.
The Gonzalez family has been struggling with constant changes to their living situation. “Our landlords are wanting their property back and to increase our rent. We are currently in a situation where the rent is too high and at any moment she may want to sell her home, which would leave our family homeless since rent everywhere else is too high for us. We are also uncomfortable with walking outside at night due to no street lights and the activity the happens close to our home,” Edgardo tells us. Getting accepted into the program left their family feeling elated. “We knew that getting this acceptance meant work on our part, but it also brought a sense of peace knowing that we will soon have stability and a place to call our own.” The family tells us that receiving their acceptance is a day that they will never forget and will keep with them throughout their time in the program.
So far, the family has thoroughly enjoyed earning their sweat equity hours. “Working on build sites has taught us so much about taking care of our own home, but also gave us a share in helping others on their journey as well. We have met amazing people and truly are thankful for the supervisors who have taught us everything smoothly.” If you are interested in learning more about how you can volunteer alongside our Homeowner Candidates in the program, please visit our Volunteer Page on our website for more information.
“To be able to spend more time with my family and really be together is something we all look forward too, and to be able to have a home for our children in the future.”
The Gonzalez Family home was dedicated on January 31st, 2023.
