Hector, Guadalupe, and their children Ingrid (25), Jesus (20), and Hector (16) have lived in a 2-bedroom apartment in City Heights since they emigrated from Mexico in 2010. The entire apartment complex is poorly maintained, unsafe, and littered with trash. Gang and drug activity abound. Ingrid sleeps on the sofa, and the boys share a room. Hector has a benign brain tumor that requires ongoing medical attention, and the noise and smoke causes him painful migraine headaches.
Living in these conditions is a sacrifice the entire family was willing to make so that they could afford to pay for Ingrid’s education; they immigrated to the U.S. in search of better educational opportunities for each of the children. Mom and Dad work very hard to make sure the kids have every opportunity that the U.S can provide. Hector is a baker and Guadalupe works as a housekeeper at a hotel on Mission Bay.
Although the family has lived in these poor conditions for so many years, they are pleased to report that Ingrid will graduate from college next month with a degree in computer engineering. She is looking forward to starting a great internship and begin her career. Jesus attends Grossmont College and is studying international business. He works for the student employment center and helps enrolled students and graduates find jobs. Hector is a sophomore at Crawford High School. He is a straight-A student and is actively involved in clubs and sports. He is a part of his high school’s legal academy and often participates in teen court and mock trials. He hopes to become a lawyer.
The family has worked so hard for so long and owning their own Habitat home is going to be life changing!
