Sparks- Sierra Aparicio Family

Build Dates: October 26th & 27th

Family Information:

Father- Vicente

• Age: 28

• Profession: Produce Packager

• Monthly Salary: $260 approx.

Mother- Griselda

• Age: 29

• Profession: Produce Packager

• Monthly Salary: $165 approx.

Children-

• Nely Atziry, 9, 3rd Grade

Property Information:

Colonia- El Zorrillo
Time with property- 8 months  
Electricity- Yes
Running Water- No
Structure- Wood
 

Family Story:

When Griselda was 18 years old she was with someone for a year, but found out that man had been cheating on her, so she left him. After they separated, she found out that she was pregnant with his child. When Griselda let the man know she was pregnant with his child, he told her that he would help her financially but then never did. Griselda lived with her parents and working; and for 4 years she lived as a single mom caring for her son. She met Vicente and they decided to form a family. Vicente accepted Griselda’s daughter as his own and adopted her, giving Nely his last name. Griselda and Vicente have been together for 5 years. They both work for the same company packaging produce and everything they do is with the hopes of providing a good life for their daughter. Griselda and Vicente have been trying to have children together, but at the moment, Griselda can’t get pregnant. Griselda has been seeing a doctor and needs to go through treatment before getting pregnant, but right now they cannot pay for the treatment as their focus is to first pay off their land and build a house. Griselda’s desire has always been to have her own home where she and her husband can raise a family in without worry or fear.

Mount Soledad- Vazquez Dominguez Family

Build Dates: October 26th & 27th

Family Information:

Father- Marcos

• Age: 28

• Profession: Construction

• Monthly Salary: $330 approx.

Mother- Dania

• Age: 23

• Profession: Factory Worker

• Monthly Salary: $298 approx.

Children-

• Chelsea, 4 yrs, Kindergarten

Property Information:

Colonia- Rosas Magallon
Time with property- 1 yr +
Electricity- Yes
Running Water- No
Structure- Wood & Tarp
 

Family Story:

Dania and Marcos are originally from Sonora. Marcos worked in construction with Dania’s father, but for lack of work, they moved to Ensenada. Dania’s parents moved and for a year, Dania and Marcos lived with Marcos’ mother. Dania and Marcos decided to move to Ensenada as well with the hope of finding a better life and better opportunities for their daughter. They moved in with Dania’s parents, Marcos found work in construction and Dania at a factory. While Dania is at work, her mother cares for Chelsea. Dania says that they had been living on her parents land, but her father drinks a lot and when he gets drunk he would threaten to kick them out. For that reason, they decided to get their own land to build their own house on. Because of the land payments, their personal expenses and the payments for kindergarten, they have not been able to build a proper home. The room they live in has a dirt floor and a lot of insect and tarantulas have gotten in. During the rainy season everything would get wet, and then Dania’s mom gave them metal sheets to cover their roof, and that helped. Their room does not have a bathroom, nor is the kitchen separate from the bedroom. Their daughter has no privacy and still sleeps with her parents. When they heard about Homes of Hope, Dania decided to come and ask for help in order that they may receive the blessing of a well-built house that is safe and clean. Dania would like to give her daughter a good life, privacy and safety.

Home Church in Kent- Gomez Lopez Family

Build Dates: October 25th & 26th

Family Information:

Father- Gerardo

• Age: 31

• Profession: Packages Vegetables

• Daily Salary: $12 approx.

Mother- Rosa

• Age: 31

• Profession: Packages Vegetables

• Daily Salary: $9 approx

Children-

• Fredy, 15 yrs, High School

• Jerry, 7 yrs, 2nd Grade

Property Information:

Colonia- Girasoles
Time with property- 8 months  
Electricity- No
Running Water- Yes
Structure- Wood & Tarp
 

Family Story:

Gerardo and Rosa are originally from Oaxaca, they met each other there and entered a free union together. When Rosa met Gerardo, she already had her son Fredy. They came to Ensenada as a family looking for work and a better way of life. Rosa had family here who helped them get settled in a rental. After moving here, they welcomed Jerry into their family. Last year they got land on credit and continue to make monthly payments for it. The land cost about $9,000 USD, and their monthly payment is $110. They built a room with plywood and put a tarp over the roof; they have lived here since the beginning of January. Gerardo and Rosa both work for the same company packaging squash, green beans, and peas. Gerardo works at night from 6pm to 1am, Monday-Saturday and earns $12 a day. Rosa works the morning shift from 6am to 1pm so she can be off when her children are out of school, earning $9 a day. Their children go to school, Fredy goes in the morning and Jerry in the afternoon. They need a house because their salary is not enough to provide the means for them to be able to cover their personal expenses, land payment and all the materials to build the house. They do not want to pay rent anymore and that is why they got the land. Their son Jerry has always wanted a home and it would be a dream come true for him if they received one from Homes of Hope.

Bethel- Rivera Ochoa Family

Build Dates: October 22nd & 23rd

Family Information:

Father- Cruz

• Age: 38

• Profession: Car Wash

• Monthly Salary: $330, but it varies

Mother- Gabriela

• Age: 34

• Profession: Homemaker

• Weekly Salary: N/A

Children-

• Ilayalit, 15 yrs, High School

• Abdia Roman, 17 yrs, High School

• Madelin Jazmin, 14 yrs, 6th Grade

• Wilmer, 10 yrs, 3rd Grade

• Itzia Crystel, 8 yrs, 1st Grade

• Ixcoatl Ezau, 6 yrs

• Erasmo Kaleb, 4 yrs

• Gabriela, 2 yrs

• Yenatlesi, 2 yrs

• 10th baby due September

Property Information:

Colonia- Tinajitas
Time with property- 2+ years  
Electricity- No
Running Water- No
Structure- Scrap Materials
 

Family Story:

Gabriela and Cruz met in Aguascaliente. Back then, Cruz was in the military and invited Gabriela to a dance. It was after that, that they moved in together and formed a family. After 7 years together they got married. They lived with Cruz’ mother for a couple months, then with Gabriela’s mother for a year, and then to a rental where they had their oldest daughter. Cruz had a sister that lived in Ensenada and she invited them to move here and they did. They moved to Ensenada and lived with Cruz’ sister until Gabriela found them a piece of land they could afford payments for. They were given the land but realized that they needed a piece of land that was flat and easy to access because their oldest daughter had health problems and suffered from seizures. It was very difficult and could be dangerous for them. So Gabriela asked if they could change their land and the owner said yes, but that they needed to pay more money for that lot. Once they got their land sorted, Cruz built a room with 4 wooden walls that they bought pre-assembled. Their daughter Damaris suffers from seizures because she was beat up by cousins at the age of 12. Gabriela couldn’t report the incident because they were all minors. The internal damage caused by the punches left her with About a year ago, their oldest daughter passed away from complications due to her seizures, and bronchial aspiration. Damaris left behind a 2 yr old daughter who Gabriela and Cruz have adopted as their own. This last year has been very difficult for the family as they’ve had to deal with the passing of a child/sister/mother. Cruz works washing cars outside a bank or different shops. Their oldest son sometimes goes and helps his dad. Gabriela does not work as she is expecting their 10th child in September.

In a letter, the family wrote:
We are asking for help so that our children can live a life more worth of them, since life has not given us the opportunity to offer them a decent home. I give thanks to God for putting 2 great people with great hearts on our path, Anna Thorson Mayer and her father. We give them thanks because they are teaching us how to walk the path of good and inviting us into the house of God. Thanks to them our lives are changed, and our children are happy because they are fulfilling a dream that we ourselves were not able to fulfill for our children. That dream is going to school and to have their school uniforms. For this and so much more, thank you. Thank you to everyone who supports us, because God knows we need the help. Life is hard with so many small children. THANK YOU

Carrington- Rodriguez Navarrete Family

Build Dates: October 21st & 22nd

Family Information:

Father- Pablo Haziel

• Age: 26

• Profession: Security Guard

• Monthly Salary: $375 approx working 12 hr days

Mother- Melisa

• Age: 26

• Profession: Homemaker

• Weekly Salary: N/A

Children-

• Alondra, 1 yr on October 2nd

• Pablo Emiliano, 3 yrs on September 29

• Brayan Haziel, 7 yrs, 2nd Grade

Property Information:

Colonia- Nueva Espana
Time with property- 14 months
Electricity- Yes
Running Water- No
Structure- Plaster & Pallets, No Windows
 

Family Story:

Pablos family is originally from Sinaloa, but when he was young they moved to San Vicente in Norther Baja California. They moved into the house which was in front of where his future sister-in-law lived. Pablo and Melisa met during a visit Melisa made to her sister, and they eventually started dating. They were both in high school and Melisa found out she was pregnant. They both decided to drop out of school, Melisa to care for their child, and Pablo to be a responsible man who needed to care for Melisa and their child. Pablo got a job with an uncle of his at a ranch. Pablo didn’t make much money and they couldn’t afford a place to live, so they both moved in with Pablo’s father. They decided to move to Ensenada when their son Brayan was 1 yr old. Pablo found a job as a night security guard. They went from rental to rental. Melisa became pregnant with their second child and things started getting expensive for them so they had to move in with Pablo’s mother. Pablo’s parents had gotten divorced and Pablo’s mother was in Ensenada. Pablo’s mother didn’t have electricity, nor water. They looked for land they could get on credit, making monthly payments, and found one they got and built a room on. At this time their daughter had been born. They got a bank loan and used the money to build the room with pallets. Pablo;s salary is enough to cover their basic living expenses, bus transport to and from work, the loan payment and land payment. They do not have any extra income, or the ability, to build a proper home.

Evergreen Blue- Palma Manzo Family

Build Dates: October 17th & 18th

Family Information:

Father- Carlos

• Age: 28

• Profession: Distributes Corn

• Weekly Salary: $55 approx

Mother- Lizbeth

• Age: 27

• Profession: Homemaker

• Weekly Salary: N/A

Children-

• Carlos, 2 yrs

Property Information:

Colonia- Nueva Espana
Time with property- 9 months
Electricity- No
Running Water- No
Structure- Trailer
 

Family Story:

Carlos and Lizbeth are originally from Ensenada. They have been together for 4 years and have a 2 year old son. Carlos works for a company distributing corn, and Lizbeth stays home with their son. Last year they bought a piece of land on credit with monthly payments. They did this to be able to provide a better future for their son, a home for him to grow up in. Lizbeth has a very hard past; when she was 14 years old she was given to a 55 year old man as his wife. Lizbeth was with this man for 11 years. Lizbeth wanted to have a family and live a better life, but the man she was with was too old; so she finally left him. Lizbeth is now much happier with the life her and Carlos have built together these last 3 years. They live in a small trailer that was lent to them.

Evergreen Red- Valenzeula Armenta

Build Dates: October 17th & 18th

Family Information:

Father- Jose Adrian

• Age: 28

• Profession: Laborer

• Monthly Salary: $165-220 approx.

Mother- Adriana

• Age: 25

• Profession: Homemaker

• Weekly Salary: N/A

Children-

• Jose Miguel, 4 yrs

• Exael Adrian, 7 yrs, 1st Grade

Property Information:

Colonia- Nueva Espana
Time with property- 10 months
Electricity- No
Running Water- No
Structure-
 

Family Story:

Adriana was 15 years old when a friend introduced her to Jose. A week later, they were dating. At the time, Jose worked far away and only came home for the weekends. After two years together, Adriana became pregnant with their first son. Jose had been working for Adriana’s father and Adriana was in her last year of high school. Adriana continued going to school and with the help of her sister who watched the baby sometimes, Adriana graduated. Adriana has always had a lot of friends and people who have encouraged her to not give up. Adriana and Jose moved in together and shortly after were pregnant with their second son. Adriana’s mother-in-law told them about land that was being sold in the Nueva Espana neighborhood and they decided it was time for them to establish themselves as a family and build their own home. Rent is high and work as a day laborer doesn’t provide a steady income for them to rely on. Jose didn’t make enough money to pay rent and land, so they decided to get the land and move into whatever they could build for now. Jose works doing whatever jobs he can get- he cleans land, peoples yards, odd jobs for people, has cared for sheep on a ranch,etc. He has been looking for a steady job because the little income he has is not enough.

Crosby Church- Valle Lizarraga Family

Build Dates: October 17th & 18th

Family Information:

Mother- Aidee

• Age: 39

• Profession: Cleans Offices

• Monthly Salary: $240 approx.

Children-

• Paulina, 8 yrs, 4th Grade

Property Information:

Colonia- San Rafael
Time with property- 14 months
Electricity- Yes
Running Water- No
Structure- Scrap Materials
 

Family Story:

Aidee is 39 years old and originally from Mazatlan. She has 2 adult children, Paulina and Michelle, and 2 grandchildren. Her oldest daughter, Michelle, is 23 years old. Michelle has 2 children, Isai who is 4 and Ian who is 2. Aidee was born in Mazatlan, but when she was very young her mom moved her to Ensenada. Aidee grew up here and started working. She met Michelle’s father, but he got mixed up in drugs and Aidee decided it was best that they not continue their relationship and after Michelle was born, she left him. Aidee’s second marriage started out really well, she even moved to another city with him. But there, his family never accepted her and Michelle, so they left him and moved back to Ensenada. After returning to Ensenada, Aidee was robbed of all their belongings and they had to go live with Aidee’s mother until Aidee had enough money saved up to get their own place. Aidee bought land on credit last year and built a small room to live in. Michelle and her two children go back and forth between Aidee’s house and the grandmothers house. Aidee dreams of the day she will have her own home. She would be so happy to have a home and to help her daughters and grandchildren have a stable environment to grow in.

JM-MA Bikers-Merino Bartolo Family

Build Dates: October 17th & 18th

Family Information:

Father- Ricardo

• Age: 32

• Profession: Field Worker

• Monthly Salary: $230 approx.

Mother- Josabeth

• Age: 30

• Profession: Homemaker

• Weekly Salary: N/A

Children-

• Ricardo Geovanni, 2 yrs

Property Information:

Colonia- Genaro Vazquez
Time with property- 6 months
Electricity- No
Running Water- No
Structure- Pallets and Cardboard; Tarp Roof
 

Family Story:

Josabeth and Ricardo met while working in the fields and formed a family 3 years ago. When Josabeth found out she was pregnant with Ricardito, they moved back to their home state of Oaxaca. But life in Oaxaca is hard; it is hard to find work and when you do, your salary is extremely low. Their son was born in Oaxaca, and shortly after birth, he started to get sick often. They saw how difficult their life would be, how expensive the medical visits were and their inability to find work to cover those expenses. They decided that it was best for them, and for their sons future, to move back to Maneadero (Ensenada, BC). Soon after arriving in Ensenada, Ricardo was able to find work and saw how life was better here. Ricardo found land that didn’t require a high down payment and they moved to the land to avoid having to pay rent. They know that having this land is very important to them for their son to have a place to grow up in, a place to call home, a place to play and feel safe. This land will be a part of their family’s heritage. This family doesn’t have a lot of money, but they built a house with pallets, cardboard, and tarps. It is very small and very simple. It has been very hard for them these past few months as they’ve dealt with rain, cold, and then the summer heat. The weather is changing and the rains and cold are returning, but they have faith that God will bless them.

Lake Community- Palacio Higuera Family

Build Dates: October 14th & 15th

Family Information:

Father- Miguel Angel

• Age: 43

• Profession: Salesman

• Monthly Salary: $330 approx.

Mother- Roxanna

• Age: 35

• Profession: Homemaker

• Weekly Salary: N/A

Children-

• Jesucristo, 2 yrs

• Angel Gabriel, 3 1/2 yrs

Property Information:

Colonia- Zorrillo
Time with property- 14 months  
Electricity- Not Known
Running Water- No
 

Family Story:

Migel Angel is originally from Nayarit, but came to Baje California when he was 22 years old. At the time he was using drugs and had to leave Nayarit due to problems he had gotten himself into. He first lived in TIjuana, but he had been caught steeling cars and was imprisoned for 8 years. While in prison he met Jesus and became a Christian. He was let free after 4 years because of good behavior and when he got out, he came to a Bible Institute in Ensenada. He met Roxanne here in Ensenada and they eventually got married and have had two children together. Miguel now works selling ice cream and burritos. He and his wife make 50 burritos every day for him to go sell. They spend about $20 making the burritos, on a good day, they make back their money invested and $16 which are then used for their household expenses. Roxanne stays home taking care of their young boys while her husband is out selling. Last year they were renting a small house, but found the opportunity to get a piece of land on credit with monthly payments. They got the land, and that is where they currently live. Because Miguel works many hours, every day, it has been very hard for him to build any kind of house for his family on their land. Their boys are so young and Miguel and Roxanne just want to be able to give them a good, safe home for them to grow up in.

Black Rock Gives- Vazquez Rendon Family

Build Dates: October 11th & 12th

Family Information:

Father- Bonifacio

• Age: 44

• Profession: Laborer

• Monthly Salary: $275 approx.

Mother- Teodora

• Age: 40

• Profession: Cleaning

• Monthly Salary: $275 approx.

Children-

• Ana Marlene, 13 yrs, Jr High

• Julio Cesar, 16 yrs, High School

• Graciela, 23 yrs, works taking care of children

Property Information:

Colonia- El Paraiso
Time with property- 7 months
Electricity- Yes
Running Water- No
Structure-
 

Family Story:

Teodora came to Ensenada with her brother when she was 14 years old. The found work in the fields harvesting pumpkins and cucumbers. It was then that she met Bonifacio. A little over a year later, and after spending time in their home state of Oaxaca, they started their lives as a family. They moved onto a ranch where they found work and had their family members in Oaxaca make the move to Ensenada. Teodora’s family bought a large piece of land, and then convinced Teodora to buy the lot next to them. The bought the land two years ago. While paying off their land, they were not able to move and live there. Their salary didn’t cover the land payments, the cost of the children’s school, their basic expenses, and enough to build a home; so for those reasons, it took them awhile to move.

GoHawks- Romero Gutierrez Family

Build Dates: October 11th & 12th

Family Information:

Father- Juan

• Age: 32

• Profession: Security Guard

• Weekly Salary: $90 approx.

Mother- Mariela

• Age: 27

• Profession: Homemaker

• Weekly Salary: N/A

Children-

• Naomy, 1 yr

• Kristian, 10 yrs, 5th Grade

Property Information:

Colonia- Rancho Zamora
Time with property- 1 yr
Electricity- No
Running Water- No (currently sharing bathroom and running water with neighbor)
Structure- Wood & Metal
 

Family Story:

Mariela was a single mother, she was 17 years old when she gave birth to her son Kristian. Kristian’s father decided he wanted nothing to do with the child. At the time Mariela was living with her mother and helping to care for her two siblings as well. Mariela eventually got a job and started working for a packaging company, and that is where she met Juan. They were married and Mariela got pregnant with her second child, but she lost the child and doctors told her that she wouldn’t be able to have any more children. Shortly after she was pregnant again, and after a complicated pregnancy, Naomy was born and a very healthy and perfect baby girl. Kristian is in school and wants to be a police officer when he grows up. Juan Jose, Mariela’s husband, works as a security guard for a greenhouse.

Black Rock Gives- Martinez Cruz Family

Build Dates: October 7th & 8th

Family Information:

Father- Silvano

• Age: 34

• Profession: Musician

• Monthly Salary: $215 approx.

• Hours: up to 48 hrs/week

Mother- Alejandrina

• Age: 35

• Profession: Homemaker

• Weekly Salary: N/A

Children-

• Ricardo, 9 yrs, 3rd Grade

• Alexandra, 7 yrs, 1st Grade

Property Information:

Colonia- Canon Buenavista
Time with property- 8 months
Electricity- No
Running Water- No
Structure-
 

Family Story:

Alejandrina and Silvano are originally from Oaxaca, they were neighbors and got married in 2009. THey had relatives who lived in Ensenada and invited them to move here. They decided to make the change and lived with them until they were established here and had found land. Silvano is a musician and works singing at events and on the street. He also sells produce on the street to try to earn a little more money. Silvano does many odd jobs to earn money to support his music career and family. He suffers from a spinal injury and for that reason is unable to work a regular/physical job. Their children also enjoy singing when they go to events with their father. They are a good, christian family who don’t yell or mistreat one another.

Freije Engineered Solutions- Hernandez Reyes Family

Build Dates: October 5 & 6

Family Information:

Father- Antonio

• Age: 35

• Profession: Laborer

• Monthly Salary: $432 approx.

Mother- Cornelia

• Age: 40

• Profession: Homemaker

• Weekly Salary: N/A

Children-

• Jose, 16 yrs, High School

Property Information:

Colonia- Salitral
Time with property- 1 yr 3 months  
Electricity- No
Running Water- No
Structure- Scrap Materials
 

Family Story:

Cornelia was born in Veracruz, and her husband Anthony, in Oaxaca. Cornelia has had a very hard life and multiple husbands. Cornelia’s first husband disappeared after he found out Cornelia was pregnant; the next didn’t treat her well but he got custody of the daughter. Cornelia met another man and with him she lost 2 babies; one died as a newborn and the second she lost during pregnancy due to her not taking care of herself. After some time, she got pregnant again, this time with Jose. When Jose was just 4 years old they separated; Cornelia said the father was irresponsible and couldn’t keep a job. It was 13 years ago that she met Antonio, and he took very good care of her and Jose. They had been living in Mexico City, but due to crime and bad influences surrounding Jose, they decided it was best to leave. They came to Ensenada to provide a better life for Jose and finish raising him in a safer environment. They have asked for help that they might be able to have a home. Antonio is the only one who works and his salary is not enough to provide anything more than the little room they live in.

Defenders Green: Guevara Hernandez Family

Build Dates: September 20-21

Family Information:

Father - Abelardo

• Age: 54

• Profession: Salesman

• Monthly Salary: $266 approx.

Mother - Petra

• Age: 48

• Profession: Fisher

• Monthly Salary: $133 approx.

Children

• Jesus , 12 yrs, 6th Grade
  

• Osiel , 9 yrs, 4th Grade

• Mario , 19 yrs, Graduated High School in April
  

Property Information:

Colonia - Buena Vista
Time with property - 5 yrs
Electricity - No
Running Water - No
Structure - Wooden, leaking roof, dirt floor
 

Family Story:

Petra was born in Tijuana. She had a divorce in her first marriage because of physical abuse. When she came to Ensenada, while she was working in the fields, she met Abelardo. He wanted to move in with her. She did not want to because of the 8 children she was taking care of from her previous children. Abelardo did not mind, and so they rented a house for 5 years until they were able to buy their own land. Petra works packing fish and Abelardo works outside of the grocery stores, carrying people’s groceries for them.

Happy Homes Green- Lopez Ponciano Family

Build Dates: September 28-29

Family Information:

Father - Elias

• Age: 32

• Profession: Builder

• Monthly Salary: $77 approx.

Mother - Monica Maria

• Age: 28

• Profession:

• Monthly Salary:

Children

• Maria Aurora , 1 yr

• Elias , 2 yrs

• Karla Anai , 7 yrs

• Oscar David , 10 yrs
  

Property Information:

Colonia - Todos Santos
Time with property - 2 Months
Electricity - No
Running Water - No
Structure - N/A
 

Family Story:

Monica came to Ensenada 8 years ago with the idea of crossing into the States for a better job. Once she got here, she was afraid to cross the border because she had her 1 year old child, Oscar, with her. She decided to stay in Ensenada and live with her aunt while she worked at a factory. Her ex-husband came to Ensenada looking for her and took her back to the city Guerrero. She had problems being there and so after awhile she decided to come back here. One back here in Ensenada, she started a relationship with a new man, who is now Carla’s father. They lived together for 2 years and after that they separated. A few years later she met Aliyas, with who she lives currently. Aliyas is the father of Aliyas (2 years) and Maria (1 year). They have been living together as a happy family for the past 5 years. He works in construction, making 70 dollars a week. That is barely enough for what they need. Monica and Aliyas are really excited to have a home because for the past 5 years they have been moving from one place to another, looking for the cheapest rent. In January, they were able to move onto their own piece of land in a small room. Because of Luis’ income, they are not able to make any expansions in their small home.

Happy Homes Blue- Rivas Vazquez Family

Build Dates: September 28-29

Family Information:

Father - Luis Enrique

• Age: 27

• Profession: Car Washer

• Monthly Salary: $311 approx.

Mother - Vania

• Age: 26

• Profession:

• Monthly Salary:

Children

• Dana , 4 yrs, Kindergarten
  

• Joan , 8 yrs, 2nd Grade

• Leonardo, 10 yrs, 5th Grade
  

Property Information:

Colonia - Todos Santos
Time with property - 3 Months
Electricity - Yes
Running Water - No
Structure - Cardboard and plastic tarp
 

Family Story:

Luis and Vanya are from Mexico city and their three children were also born in Mexico city. They came to Ensenada because they were looking for a safer place to live. They have been in Ensenada for the past 2 years. When they got here they lived with Anya’s aunt for 6 months. When Luis got a good job, they decided to rent a house for a year. In April, they bought a piece of land, some tarp, and cardboard. That is their currently living situation. Luis works washing cars on his own and Vanya works in a factory on an assembly line.

Las Chulas- Castro Carbajal Family

Build Dates: September 20-21

Family Information:

Mother - Betzabe

• Age: 30

• Profession: Packaging

• Monthly Salary: $288 approx.

  Children

• Arely Maday , 6 yrs, 1st Grade

• Elissa , 11 yrs, 6th Grade
  

Property Information:

Colonia - Esteban Canto
Time with property - 3 Months
Electricity - Yes
Running Water - Yes
Structure - Small trailer, one small bed for the whole family
 

Family Story:

My name is Betzabe Carbajal. I am a single mom to two girls, Alyssa (12 years) and Arely (6 years). I have no one to help me and I work really hard to take care of my girls. My first husband disappeared from my life and my second marriage did not go well. I live in a really small RV. We do not have any privacy because we all sleep in the same bed. I work as a cook and I also make desserts to sell. I am really excited to get a house because it would mean I would have more space to do that on my own. Thank you very much and God bless you.

Defenders Blue: Martinez Gonzalez Family

Build Dates: September 20-21

Family Information:

Father - David

• Age: 33

• Profession: Field Worker

• Monthly Salary: $266 approx.

Mother - Brenda

• Age: 23

• Profession:

• Monthly Salary:

Children

• Betizabet , 5 yrs, Kindergarten
  

• Briana, 3 yrs

• Anette, 1 yr
  

Property Information:

Colonia - Zorrillo
Time with property - 3 years
Electricity - N/A
Running Water - N/A
Structure - N/A
 

Family Story:

Brenda and David are from Ensenada. They met at work, really liked each other, and started to date. Brenda and David each had had a child from previous relationships.They dated for 6 months, then decided to get married. They started living on a piece of land that Brenda’s mother-in-law gave to them. But because of family issues, they had to leave that land and find another place to live. Brenda’s dad gave them the land in which they are currently living on. They have a small house that is in bad condition. It has many cracks and leaks, and they get cold often. After 2 years of living together, they decided to have a third child. Now Brenda stays at home to take care of the children while David works to be able to support the family. They are excited to have a house because that means they will have more privacy and space, keep warm, and be better off overall.

Defenders Red: Tosca Mora Family

Build Dates: September 20-21

Family Information:

Father - Benjamin

• Age: 23

• Profession: Car Washer

• Monthly Salary:

Mother - Beatriz

• Age: 25

• Profession: Packaging

• Monthly Salary: $100 approx.

Children

• Dilan , 1 yr

• Briana , 5 yrs, Kindergarten

• Abdiel , 6 yrs , 1st grade
  

Property Information:

Colonia - El Zorrillo
Time with property - 5 yrs
Electricity - Yes
Running Water - No
Structure - N/A
 

Family Story:

Beatriz is 23 and is from Chiapas, a state in the southern part of Mexico bordering with Guatemala. Benjamin is 25 and is from Tijuana. They have been together for 8 years and have 3 beautiful children. Beatriz and Benjamin have had a difficult life but they have been working hard to provide a better life for themselves, and especially for their children. In the past they used to live wherever they could, but it was hard on them. They would work and barely earn enough money to survive, making it impossible to have money for rent. Five years ago they had the opportunity to buy a piece of property from someone for only $8,000 pesos (approximately $450 US dollars), so they took it. Within a year, they had the property paid off and with a lot of hard work they had built a “house” with wood scraps, tarps and whatever they could find. Their hope for this land is to give their children a better future and way of life. .