The Many Faces of Habitat
Habitat Homeowner Jose Lopez
Jose Lopez is a single dad to a 13-year-old boy. He purchased his home in 2009 to provide a better living environment for his son.
Q: What does Habitat mean to you?
A: It means everything. They gave me a chance for a new home. It means a lot to me. For a single dad, this is great.
Q: What do you feel Habitat means to our community?
A: It means a lot to a lot of families. Habitat offers a chance for affordable living for this community.
Q: How has your involvement with Habitat changed you?
A: It has changed me a lot. Now I know different trades. I know how to put up siding and do trim work. No I can do those things on my own. I don’t have to call someone. It has been really good.
Q: What is your most memorable Habitat moment?
A: I remember the house dedication ceremony when I got to give thanks to all the volunteers and to my house sponsor, KCI. I also remember building my house. Those are my top two memories.
Q: What would you tell others who may not be familiar with Habitat about the program?
A: I would tell them it’s a nice experience. They (Habitat) are nice people. Everything was perfect. I would definitely encourage them to apply for a home. I have already talked to a couple of friends about it.
Q: How important do you feel Habitat is, and why?
A: It is very important. They gave me my home. They are the only ones to give me a chance (to purchase my own home).
Q: As a homeowner, how has your family benefitted from your home?
A: My son likes his room. He loves the back yard. Before, we used to stay in one little room in my mom’s house. We both had to sleep in one little bed. He’s 13 and needs his own privacy. Now he has his own privacy.
Q: Why did you decide to become a homeowner?
A: I wanted privacy for myself and son. I wanted a home for us.
Q: Tell us about something you’ve done in your home since moving in.
A: I had a Christmas Party. I invited my brothers and some of my family. It was fun showing them the house and all the work I put into it.