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Maria's Family

From Section 8 to Neighborhood Community

Home Dedication: April 27, 2024

Maria's Family Story

Maria is the mother of teenage twins, Anthony and Ava, as well as an adult son who no longer lives with her. The twins attend different schools and participate in a variety of church and school activities, keeping their mom busy!

Although Maria works full-time with plants – one of her passions – the family struggles to make ends meet. They rely on Section 8 housing and share a two-bedroom apartment.

She describes Section 8 as “a blessing but a challenge as well,” noting that many landlords discriminate against tenants who receive housing assistance. Rents in Colorado Springs continue to rise, and “paying someone else’s mortgage is discouraging,” she says.

Not only that, “I wanted my children to have their own room,” she explains.

She’s also excited about joining the fellowship of Pikes Peak Habitat homeowners in our neighborhood at The Ridge at Sand Creek. “I will be part of a community,” she says. “I am looking forward to [helping] build my own house, as well as others in my neighborhood, and help and get to know people in my community.”

Maria concludes, “This is a great opportunity for my family. I know it will be hard work, and I am ready for it. I feel blessed to be selected and will put in 100%.”

Family of three sitting on grass, looking happily at each other
Mom and two teenagers

About the Fund for Humanity

Created in 1968 and predating the establishment of Habitat for Humanity International, the Fund for Humanity began as the method of accomplishing partnership housing at Koinonia Farm. The concept centered on those in need of adequate shelter working side by side with volunteers to build decent, affordable houses. The houses would be built at no profit. New homeowners’ house payments would be combined with no-interest loans provided by supporters and money earned by fundraising to create “The Fund for Humanity,” which would then be used to build more homes.

Fund for Humanity logo

Today, The Fund for Humanity refers to a collection of funding sources, including capital from loan sale programs, loan payoffs, monthly Habitat mortgage payments, unrestricted fundraising, and net proceeds from the ReStore.

The Fund for Humanity helps finance every home we build! However, a Fund for Humanity Build references a home that was wholly supported by the Fund.

Now through December 10, your donation will contribute to the Bank of the San Juans gift-matching challenge. Rise to the challenge today!