Saldivar Perez - Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary (Orange Team) — YWAM San Diego/Baja

Date Build: Monday 17th - Tuesday 18th, February 2025

FAMILY INFORMATION

MOTHER: Soraida

Age: 38 years old

Job: worker in a medical products factory

Salary weekly: $120 US

CHILDREN:

Ana - 16 years old

Rosa - 8 years old

LETTER FROM THE FAMILY:

To who it may concern at Homes of Hope, My name is Soraida Pérez Roblero, and I am a single mother of two daughters who are currently in school. I would like to share my story and the reasons why I need a decent home. I am originally from Chiapas, Mexico. Since I was eight years old, I had to work to provide for myself because my father abandoned my mother and did not support us financially. At times, he would become aggressive and throw us out of the house. In 2005, a hurricane destroyed our home, and we lost everything. My father returned, but the abuse continued, so at the age of 16, I left home to work. I always sent money to my parents, but when I mentioned that I wanted to save for my own land, my father told me it was unnecessary because once I got married, he would give me a house. After a hurricane, my father received two government-provided houses. He gave one to my brother and assured me the other was for me. I began furnishing and fixing it up, but when I planned to return, I found out that my father had sold it along with all my belongings. I continued working away from home until, years later, my mother informed me that my father had passed away due to alcoholism. I started a family and had my first daughter, but her father was abusive and did not provide for us. I decided to leave him and work to support my child. At one point, my daughter became severely malnourished, which forced me to change jobs to take better care of her. Later, I had another daughter with a new partner. I worked as a restaurant manager, but while I was on maternity leave, my partner took my position, and when I returned, I was told there was no longer a job for me. I moved in with my daughter's grandmother and found work as a school janitor, where I could keep an eye on my children. However, my older daughter’s father would show up and harass me, so I decided to return to Chiapas. I attempted to start small businesses selling fruit and traditional food, but they were not profitable. Hoping for better opportunities, I moved to Tijuana, leaving my daughters temporarily with my mother due to financial constraints. When I arrived, I had no family or stable place to live. I rented shared rooms, but it was difficult because many landlords did not allow children. Eventually, I rented a small house for $2,000 pesos, where we slept on the floor and cooked with a borrowed stove. Over time, I managed to buy a bed and a few necessities, but a year ago, the rent increased to $6,000 pesos, which I could no longer afford. I saved $500 to put a down payment on a small piece of land and built a tiny room where we now live. However, the conditions are harsh—it is very cold, and when it rains, water seeps in. Despite my efforts, I cannot afford to build a proper home, as I cover all my daughters’ expenses and also help my mother, who takes care of a child with disabilities. My greatest dream is to have a home of our own, where no one can force us to leave. We attend church, and I strive to give my daughters a better life than the one I had. I thank God for giving us the strength to keep going and appreciate the incredible work you do. I sincerely hope you will consider us for your support.

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