Cross Sound Green- Adame Pena Family

Build Dates: November 25th-27th

Family Information:

Father- Luis Enrique

• Age: 26

• Profession: Produce Packer

• Weekly Salary: $65 approx.

Mother- Gabriela Elizabeth

• Age: 25

• Profession: Homemaker

• Weekly Salary: N/A

Children-

• Melanie Nikole, 5 yrs, KIndergarten

• Daniel Alexander, 9 yrs, 3rd Grade

Property Information:

Colonia- Las Flores
Time with property- 10 months  
Electricity- Yes
Running Water- No
Structure- Scrap Materials
 

Family Story:

Gabriela and Luis have 2 children, Melanie and Daniel. When Gabriela was 5 years old, she went to live in the US with her mother. Gabriela suffered a lot of abuse from her mother; she grew up never feeling her mothers love, the love of a family, or the warmth of a home. When Gabriela was around 10 years old, she went to live with her father, but she also suffered abuse there. She was sexually abused at the age of 16 and got pregnant with her son Daniel. She returned to live with her mother, but her mother did not want her and sent her back to Mexico. Gabriela left the US when her son was just 6 months, not knowing where she was going or what she was going to do. After some time and many struggles, she met a family who basically adopted her in and made her feel loved and welcomed. Gabriela got pregnant again with her daughter Melanie from another man, and was left as a single mother of two for years. Gabriela has always desired to give her children the love, care and home that she never had growing up; she has struggled a lot to get to where she is now and to provide for her children. When her children were very young, she didn’t get to spend much time with them as she was always working. Gabriela met Luis and they started what Gabriela calls a beautiful relationship. After some time, they moved in together and decided to form a family. Finally, Gabriela was able to have that family unit she always dreamed of having. Luis is currently the only one who works so that Gabriela can spend more time with her children; something she was not able to do when she was alone. They rented for years, but after a lot of hard work they were able to pay the down payment on land and stop paying rent. Little by little they built the structure where they now live on their land. Sometimes they have not had enough money for food, but they have never lacked the desire to move forward. Their situation has been hard, but they haven’t ever given up. For this reason they have come to Homes of Hope seeking help.

Cross Sound Blue- Araiza Avila Family

Build Dates: November 25th-27th

Family Information:

Father- Alex Sandro

• Age: 22

• Profession: Employee at Viva Organica

• Weekly Salary: $80 approx.

Mother- Bianca

• Age: 22

• Profession: Homemaker

• Weekly Salary: N/A

Children-

• Elfido Alexander, 1 yr 7 months

• Ivon, 4 yrs

Property Information:

Colonia- Las Flores
Time with property- 8 months  
Electricity- No
Running Water- No
Structure- Wood
 

Family Story:

Alex and Bianca worked at the same factory 4 years ago and that is how they met. They started dating and eventually moved in together with Alex’ mother. After living with Alex’ mother for a couple years, they moved out and rented a house when Bianca was pregnant with their son and their daughter Ivon was 3. Renting did not work, so after Bianca had their son, Bianca’s mother helped them out by lending them a place to live. That is when they decided to get a piece of land on credit. Bianca’s mom sold them the structure that had been living in and they moved it to their property. They have been living there now for about 8 months. Alex works for a produce packaging company and Bianca is a stay at home mom.

Cross Sound Red- Nino Valverde Family

Build Dates: November 25th-27th

Family Information:

Father- Cristobal

• Age: 24

• Profession: Hardware Store

• Monthly Salary: $265 approx. for 48 hr work week

Mother- Marisa

• Age: 23

• Profession: Homemaker

• Monthly Salary: N/A

Children-

• Due with Baby Christian January 17 (boy)

• Eithan, 2 yrs

• Josani, 7 yrs, 1st Grade

Property Information:

Colonia- Las Flores
Time with property- 8 months  
Electricity- Yes
Running Water- Yes
Structure- Wood & Dirt Floor
 

Family Story:

Marisa and Cristobal met here in Ensenada through Marisa’s sister. They started out as just friends for some time before deciding there was something more than friendship between them. They lived together in a house that was lent to them, they only had to pay the utilities (which was around $100 a month). When they were asked to return the house, they decided to buy land on credit and invest in a place of their own. Three months after getting the land, they built a small room and moved in. Marisa would like to have a proper home for her children. She says that living in the dirt is not healthy for them and she fears someone being bitten by a dangerous insect. Marisa says that it gets very cold and wet where they live and they have no space for anything, not even a safe place for her children to play. Cristobal works at a hardware store and Marisa is a stay at home mom.

Self Storage Blue- Ruiz Hernandez Family

Build Dates: November 23rd & 24th

Family Information:

Father- Martin

• Age: 31

• Profession: Field Worker

• Weekly Salary: $73 approx.

Mother- Natividad

• Age: 31

• Profession: Homemaker

• Weekly Salary: N/A

Children-

• Alex, 8 yrs, 3rd Grade

• Martin, 2 yrs

Property Information:

Colonia- Paraiso/Las Flores
Time with property- 5 months
Electricity- No
Running Water- No
Structure- Wood & Plastic
 

Family Story:

Natividad and Martin are originally from Oaxaca, they both came to Ensenada at different times looking for work. They met each other here in Ensenada and dated for 5 months before moving in together with Martin’s mother. They lived there for 3 years. Natividad already had a son when she and Martin began their relationship. Natividad and Martin got pregnant and after their son was born, they decided they needed a place of their own. Natividad’s sister told them about plots of land being sold on credit, so they decided to pursue getting one. They made the down payment and saved up some money to move onto their land and build a place for them to live. Their house is wrapped in plastic and has a dirt floor; they have no electricity, and have to have water delivered via truck every week. Martin works in the fields from Monday to Saturday cleaning tomatoes and chilies. Natividad stays home caring for their children and home. They dream of having a home where their children are safe and protected. Martin says the saddest thing for him is that he cannot provide a proper home for his family and has them living the way they do.

Self Storage Red- Parra Bojorquez

Build Dates: November 23rd & 24th

Family Information:

Father- Jorge

• Age: 32

• Profession: Hair Stylist

• Monthly Salary: $330 approx.

Children-

• Jesus, 14 yrs, Jr High

Note: Jorge’s parents live with him in the house

Property Information:

Colonia- Paraiso/Las Flores
Time with property- 10 months
Electricity- No
Running Water- No
Structure- Trailer w/Extension Made From Wood and Tarps
 

Family Story:

Jorge is originally from Caborca, Sonora. While living in San Luis Rio Colorado, he was in a relationship with a woman with whom he has two sons. Jorge and his ex separated about a year ago due to family problems, and Jorge moved to Ensenada. Jorge has always taken care of his two children with his ex, one of them lives here in Ensenada with him. His other child stayed in San Luis with his ex, but will come to Ensenada to visit from time to time. Next year, the second son would like to move to Ensenada as well and live with his dad, but where Jorge lives is very small, even more so now that Jorge’s parents are living with him as well. Jorge is the only one who works to care for everyone in his family; he works as a hair stylist in a salon. Jorge would like to have a safe home for him and his family. In Jorge’s letter asking for a HOH, he says, “thank you for helping people that you have never even met; for giving of your time to share with them, and help them to better their lives. Thank you for showing this example of generosity and sharing it with others.”

Twin Cities- Alvarez Jaime Family

Build Dates: November 15th & 16th

Family Information:

Father- Ignacio

• Age: 39

• Profession: Currently on paid medical leave from employer as he waits for a surgery

• Monthly Pension: $150

Mother- Yanet

• Age: 33

• Profession: Cleans Houses and Lots When Hired For Jobs

• Weekly Salary: Varies

Children-

• Santiago Alejandro, 2 yrs

• Esmeralda Abigail, 5 yrs

• Valentina Noemi, 9 yrs, 2nd Grade

• Ana Isabel, 16 yrs, Jr High

Property Information:

Colonia- Ejido Ruiz Cortinez
Time with property- 1 1/2 yrs
Electricity- No
Running Water- No
Structure- Old Wood and Tarps
 

Family Story:

Yanet used to live in Jalisco and had been married to a man who was a drunk and abusive. Yanet had two children with this man, but suffered from domestic violence during their marriage. Yanet sought help from DIF (Municipal System for the Integral Development of the Family), where she received psychological treatment and help to leave the man. After leaving her husband, Yanet moved in with her father. She had been living with her father for three months before meeting her current husband, Ignacio. At the time, Ignacio was dating another woman, but Yanet told him that when he was through with that relationship, to let her know. Ignacio left the other woman and got together with Yanet. Yanet got pregnant and they started their family together. They now work together to make ends meet and keep their family going. Ignacio is retired and receives a very small pension, neither of them have a steady job currently.

Cross Roads- Cruz Cruz Family

Build Dates: November 9th & 10th

Family Information:

Father- Cararino

• Age: 26

• Profession: Field Worker

• Weekly Salary: $55 approx. (when he was working)

Mother- Rosalva

• Age: 23

• Profession: Packaging

• Weekly Salary: $65 approx.

Children-

• Alexander, 3 yrs

Property Information:

Colonia- El Paraiso
Time with property- 2 yrs  
Electricity- Unknown
Running Water- Unknown
Structure- Scrap Materials
 

Family Story:

Catarino and Rosalva are originally from Oaxaca, they have been living in Ensenada as a family for 4 years. They have a young son named Alexander. Alexander has always struggled with his health and has been to the doctor frequently, which has been an added stress on Catarino and Rosalva as they have had to spend a lot of their hard earned money on doctor visits and treatments for their son. They bought land on credit 2 years ago, and little by little they are paying it off. This is where they are currently living in a small house which they built themselves. Catarino had been working in the fields until he got sick from the pesticides being used on the vegetables. The company he was working for did not want to take responsibility for his sickness and cover the medical costs, and for this reason he has been unable to return to work there. Rosalva had to get a night job at a packaging plant in order to earn some money to keep the family going. Their desire as a family is to be able to have a safe home where they can live without worry of the future and instability.

Next Step Advisor's- Santiago Mariano Family

Build Dates: November 9th & 10th

Family Information:

Mother-Ernesta

• Age: 25

• Profession: Field Worker

• Weekly Salary: $60 approx.

• Hours Worked Per Week: 40 hrs

Children-

• David, 10 yrs, 5th Grade

• Cesar, 6 yrs, 1st Grade

• Olivia, 1 yr 8 months (she had whooping cough and received treatment for it)
  

Property Information:

Colonia-Paraiso/Las Flores
Time with property- 5 months
Electricity- No
Running Water- No
Structure- Wood, Metal Roof and Cardboard Floor
 

Family Story:

Ernesta moved from Guerrero to Ensenada with her family when she was two years old. She grew up here, got married and had a family. For the safety of her children, she had to leave her husband; he started drinking a lot and had problems with drug abuse. After leaving her husband, Ernesta decided to get a piece of land on credit and that is where her and her children are currently living. Ernesta works in the fields from 7am until the afternoon while her mother takes care of the older boys; the daughter goes to a daycare. Little by little, Ernesta was able to save up some money to build a small room from used materials. Ernesta needs a home so that she can provide a better way of life for her children.

Living Word- Garcia Catarino Family

Build Dates: November 8th & 9th

Family Information:

Father- Heriberto

• Age: 28

• Profession: Factory Worker

• Weekly Salary: $90

Mother- Yasmin

• Age: 23

• Profession: Homemaker

• Weekly Salary: N/A

Children-

• Anakeyla, 6 yrs, 1st Grade
  

Property Information:

Colonia- El Salitral
Time with property- 10 months  
Electricity- No
Running Water- No
Structure- Wood
 

Family Story:

Heriberto and Yasmin are a small family originally from Southern Mexico. They came to Ensenada 5 years ago looking for better opportunities, and thinking about going to the US. They arrived in Ensenada, found work, and a place to live. For five years they rented a house and both Heriberto and Yasmin had to work in order to make ends meet. During this time, their daughter Anakeyla, was taken to day care while they worked. About 10 months ago they were able to make the down payment on a piece of land; that is where they have been living ever since. They live in a small house that measures 2 meters by 3 meters. They made this happen with the money they were able to save during the years of both of them working, but it was not enough in order for them to build something better. They heard something about Homes of Hope and came with the dream of having a home with a kitchen separate from the bedrooms, and a safe space for their daughter.

Horizon's Blue- Garcia Ramirez Family

Build Dates: November 3rd & 4th

Family Information:

Father- Emmanuel

• Age: 28

• Profession: Packer

• Monthly Salary: $330

Mother- Leticia

• Age: 26

• Profession: Homemaker

• Monthly Salary: N/A

Children-

• Jose Enrique, 6 yrs, 1st Grade

• Andres Gerardo, 11 yrs, 5th Grade

Property Information:

Colonia- El Paraiso
Time with property- 9 months  
Electricity- No
Running Water- No
Structure- Scrap Wood
 

Family Story:

Leticia has two children from previous relationships, but neither of the men took responsibility of their sons. One of her sons grandma’s accepted them into her house for a time. Leticia later moved in with her sister, she lived there until she met Emmanuel and they got married. Leticia and Emmanuel have been together for 2 years and the whole time, Emmanuel has accepted the boys and cared for them as though they were his own. Emmanuel works at a packing center and Leticia stays home caring for their family and home. They got land on credit and this is where they now live in a small home. They would like to have a proper home to give their children a better future.

Horizon's Red- Heron Morales Family

Build Dates: November 3rd & 4th

Family Information:

Father- Javier

• Age: 22

• Profession: Day Laborer

• Weekly Salary: $30 approx.

Mother- Silvia

• Age: 21

• Profession: Homemaker

• Weekly Salary: N/A

Children-

• Gerardo, 1 yr 4 months

Property Information:

Colonia- El Paraiso
Time with property- 2 yrs  
Electricity- No
Running Water- No
Structure- Cardboard, Plastic, Wood & Dirt Floor
 

Family Story:

Javier is 23 years old and originally from Oaxaca, he works as a day laborer. Silvia is 22 years old and is also from Oaxaca, she stays at home caring for their son and family. Javier and Silvia met working in the fields, they had been friends for a year before they began their relationship. After a year of dating, they were married, and 4 months after, they got pregnant. Javier already had the land and was making the payments when he and Silvia were married. They do not have the resources to be able to build a proper home to care for their son Gerardo. They are asking for a home from Homes of Hope so that their son can grow up in a healthy environment that is clean, warm, and dry.

Olivia's Basket- Preciado Larios Family

Build Dates: November 1st-3rd

Family Information:

Father- Edgar Omar

• Age: 41

• Profession: Odd Jobs

• Weekly Salary: $165 approx.

Children-

• Edgar Acxel, 19 yrs (suffers from permanent motor cerebral palsy)

Property Information:

Colonia- Todos Santos
Time with property- 11 months
Electricity- No
Running Water- No
Structure- Wood and Dirt Floor
 

Family Story:

When Edgar Omar was 21 years old, he began a relationship with a 15 year old girl. They got pregnant, but the baby died after being born prematurely due to the woman still being very young and her uterus small and underdeveloped. Shortly after, their son Edgar Acxel was born. Edgar Acxel was born with cerebral palsy. Edgar Omar and the woman eventually separated when Edgar went through a rough time of drug abuse. A few years later, Edgar was clean and his ex-wife came back into his life and Edgar gained custody of their son Edgar Acxel. Edgar bought a piece of land on credit and sold the wood from the old house he built on land he had been encroaching on for some time. With the money from the wood he bought a van which he parked on his new property; and he and his son lived in that van until some people helped him to build a house. Edgar works in different places, but does not have a steady full-time job.