Estrada familyThe main reason Luz and Julio Estrada applied for a Habitat home is their children. Currently, the family lives in a trailer with little yard space and no fence. This leaves the children without a safe place to play. The couple also believes that becoming homeowners will help them grow more financially stable in the long run by reducing their housing costs.

Luz, originally from San Luis, Mexico, and Julio, originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, met in Bryan when they were in middle school. Julio works in construction and Luz keeps the household going by raising their three children; Julio (14), Xochitl (5), and Inaki Estrada (1 ½). All of the children are very excited about moving into their new home.

Being accepted into the Habitat for Humanity program came as a big surprise for Luz and Julio. The couple has already begun completing the 500 hours of sweat equity required by all Habitat homeowners. Luz focuses most of her time cleaning and organizing in the Habitat office and Restore. Julio helps move and arrange heavy appliances and furniture in the Restore. They have also started what will constitute a large portion of their sweat equity hours: building their home and the homes of other Habitat families and attending the required financial education and home maintenance classes where they learn such skills as banking, budgeting, fire safety and gardening.

Fortunately, they have received much support from their family and friends, especially Luz’s mother, who watches the children while the couple works on their sweat equity. Luz and Julio would like their sponsors and all the volunteers to know how thankful they are for making their dream of homeownership come true, and they hope that this community will continue to help other families in need.

Thank you Christ UMC for your generous sponsorship!

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