From their Habitat for Humanity application:

"The apartment is two bed rooms and one bath and is in good condition but when it rains a lot the water gets in the house and all our furniture gets wet.  Also when it rains a lot we are not able to use the bathroom because the pipe outside gets all filled up and if we use the bath or we flush, all of the water comes right out.  This is why we have to go to the store to use the bathroom.  That’s the reason we need a Habitat home and also because we want a stable place for our babies.   When the rent gets higher we can’t afford it and we don’t want to move from one place to another every time they raise the rent.   We think our babies need a better home where they can play and feel comfortable and where they can grow up secure and stable not moving from one place to another. “

Imagine thinking that a house in this state of disrepair is in “good condition.”  For most of us it is unimaginable but it was reality for Alejandro and Mariana before they began their partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Collier County.   That was more than five years ago and since then life has certainly changed for their family.

Sons, Adrian, 7, and John, 6, are both in school and doing well.   With more space they have added another son Eduardo, 2, to their family.  Because their monthly mortgage payment is less than the rent they paid on their shoddy apartment, Mariana can be a stay-at-home mom. 

Mariana says the best thing about the house is that everyone is more comfortable.  “We have less stress because we don’t have to worry about rent increasing and having to move again. Most importantly, it is better for my kids.”