To say Carolina Espinoza leads a busy life is an understatement. The Bryan native works full time as a recruiting coordinator for a local staffing company while raising four children: a son, Armando (17), and daughters Destiny (15), Princess (7) and Madelyn (8 months).

The oldest children have a wide range of interests. Armando is into music and working out, Destiny likes to draw and bake cakes and Princess loves to ride her bike and skate.

But family life is difficult because the three-bedroom duplex Carolina rents is too small and the neighborhood isn’t the safest and limits the time the children can spend outside.

Fortunately, Carolina was able to purchase a buildable plot of land in Bryan from her father in early 2023. Having that plot of land meant that she could apply to B/CS Habitat’s homeownership program and, if approved, have the home built on the 0.24-acre lot.

“When I was accepted as a homebuyer, it was the best feeling ever,” Carolina said. “I was super excited and happy.”

Since then, Carolina has completed the 12 weeks of financial literacy and home maintenance classes. Completing her “sweat equity” hours has been a challenge for this busy mom.

“My kids keep me motivated at all times,” she said. “They are the ones that keep reminding me ‘mom, you need to go do hours so we can have our home now!’”

Carolina is grateful for each and every one of the donors and volunteers who are giving their labor and finances to help build the family’s future five-bedroom home.

“Our lives will be extremely different with our new home,” she said. “ There will be plenty of space and the kids will be able to play freely outside. Thank you so much!”