Day: July 29, 2015

Adela, her husband Leonardo and their five children (ages 4-15) have never had an easy life. Leonardo works as a gardener and is paid $6 per day. After paying for transportation, Adela is given about $4 for her to care for the needs of her family. Four of the five children attend regular school. However, their nine-year-old son, Quevin, is special needs and has to be taken by Adela to a school outside their community. Adela and Leonardo have also tried to give Quevin a quality of life that is very difficult to maintain by supporting his involvement with Special Olympics. The cost of this endeavor has made things more complicated but is extremely important to the family.

The new home that the family received with the help of the local church and community has made many aspects of life much easier. They are safer and healthier in an environment that has a proper floor, windows, electricity and front door. Their home is located in a very remote part of the community making collecting water a continued daily ordeal. Even so, the family expresses hope that since they now are connected to a group of people that are helping them, they will not be alone on their journey towards sustainability.

We used to live in a laminate house that was completely falling apart. I used to dream of having a real home and I knew that someone would help us. I’ve never lost hope.

Dora Santos lived in a simple home with her parents, her son (Abner Vladimir, 33) and grandson. Four years ago their window and door was broken into, and they were robbed of the few possessions they had. Her son went out to look for those responsible, and he was killed by them. Along with the terrible burden of grief, Dora became the main breadwinner for her household. Her meager income that came from selling beans, corn and tomatoes on the street was not enough but they all worked hard to manage. A year later, her father died after struggling with the effects of Alzheimer’s disease for two years.

When the church helped to renovate her home, it meant much more than strong walls, tile flooring in place of dirt and a watertight roof. It signified a renewed sense of safety and consolation. She and her family were not just safer with a new door and windows but they also became more connected with members of their local community and church. These new and strengthened relationships will continue to provide Dora and her family with an essential network of support for decades to come.

 

The renovation of my home means so much to me. I would never had been able to live with safety unless someone helped me. Mostly I am just glad my grandson now has a safe place to live”.