Irma Fonseca and Katia Jimenez are excited to become the newest Habitat homebuyers. Katia, 20, is the oldest of Irma’s five children. Rounding out the family is Gisel, 17; Jimena, 13; Jose Manuel, 8; and Sophia, 1. The family lived in Fresno, California, for years before moving to Bryan, where Irma’s father lives.
“It was just too expensive and I realized we would never be able to own anything of our own,” said Irma.
Irma works full-time at a local manufacturing company. Katia will begin attending Blinn College, and, although she isn’t sure what she wants to study, she has a strong interest in fashion design. Gisel will graduate from high school next year, just as Jimena begins the sixth grade and Jose Manuel moves to second grade.
The family is most excited about the space their new home will give them. They currently live in an overcrowded 2-bedroom, 1- bath mobile home. The three oldest daughters share one bedroom, and the two youngest children share a bedroom with their mother.
Pictured left to right: Irma Fonseca, youngest daughter, Sophia, and oldest daughter Katia Jimenez.
Space isn’t the only issue. The mobile home also lacks a functional air-conditioner, and the electrical system works, if the family only plugs in a few things at a time.
The future looks brighter for the Fonseca-Jimenez family now that they will soon have an affordable, stable and spacious home to live in.
“It’s still hard to believe,” said Irma, of being accepted into the Habitat program, “I still think that I’m dreaming. It won’t be until the day I see the walls of my home being raised that I’ll believe it’s not a dream.”
Completing the required 500 hours of sweat equity has been difficult for Irma because she works the night shift and has three younger children to care for. But she knows that all of her hard work will pay off soon.
Irma and Katia would like to thank their sponsors and the volunteers who will help fund and build their home.
“Thank you for thinking of others,” Irma said. She hopes they will keep their efforts going because “God will reward all that you have done and will continue to do.”[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
Keep In Touch