Medford, Ore. — Wall by wall, nail by nail, two single mothers and their children are getting help from the community — raising the walls of their new houses today.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long,” said Isabel Cortez who applied with Habitat for Humanity last year and found out in December that she had been selected.
She says she’s been living with her parents, unable to afford rent as a newly single mom.
“My parents have helped me out a lot, but I’m just so thankful that I’m going to have a home now for my three kids,” Cortez said. “They’ll have their own bedrooms.”
Denise James, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity says the projects couldn’t come at a better time.
“This entire week has been designated as ‘National Women Build Week’, so all across the United States within 1600 affiliates there are — there have been, many many different women build projects happening.”
James says the organization has hundreds of people interested in the opportunity of helping to build their own home, something Isabel doesn’t take lightly.
“It’s just so emotional, and I’m so thankful,” said Cortez
Part of the deal is a trade off — the families put in 500-sweat equity hours of work on their homes.
As James explains, “At the end of the process — which will be in a few months — we’ll then sell those homes to both families with a no-interest mortgage, so the monthly payment will be very affordable for them.”
That payment — close to $500 a month. For Cortez and her kids, it’s a deal they’re thankful for.
“It’s truly a blessing and I’m so excited,” Cortez said. “I’m going to have a home now for my three kids.”
Both projects are still looking for about 15-thousand dollars worth of funding. If you would like to contribute, visit roguevalleyhabitat.org.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.