"I have a completely different life now ..." -- Janie Acosta

Janie Acosta moved into her Habitat home in 1999.  She shared her experience at the 2006 Legacy Builder's Luncheon for Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio.

My name is Janie Acosta and I am a Habitat homeowner. I’ve lived in my home since 1999 and I’m here to tell you that Habitat really makes a difference. If it weren’t for this organization, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Growing up, my family faced a lot of difficulties. My mother died when I was very young and my father was killed in a car accident when I was twelve. It was this hardship that taught my brothers and sisters that we had to stick together as a family. Even though we were poor, we always had a roof over our heads and food to eat. Later, when I got married, I began to realize just how important a home and stability were - because I didn’t have it anymore.

My husband couldn’t keep a steady job so we were constantly moving from house to house, from apartment to roach-infested apartment. There were holes in the walls, the neighborhoods were bad and my children were never in one place long enough to make friends. I even learned about Habitat for Humanity in 1984 but we were in such a difficult place that I didn’t even try to apply. Even though it was hard, I tried to teach my children what I learned when I was growing up: we needed to stick together as a family.

Then, after 11 years of marriage, I got divorced. I had three children with me in a little one bedroom apartment and I didn’t know what to do. I was devastated and desperate. I needed stability for my family and me so my children could feel safe. I looked into buying a house – but there was no way I could qualify for a regular mortgage. I lost hope.

Thirteen years after I first learned about Habitat for Humanity, I finally applied for a home. I still didn’t think I would qualify but I tried anyway. When Habitat said they’d help me, I found hope again. When I learned about the requirements – the 300 hours of sweat equity – I thought, “Piece of Cake! If this is what it will take to get a home, I can do this.” It takes sacrifices to get things and I was willing to do that. Through hard work, I was willing to build a home – not just a house.

I have a completely different life now that I’m in my Habitat home. I married a man I know is dedicated to our family and our home. I know because he worked to build our home right alongside me. Edward, my husband, was a coworker who volunteered his time to help me accomplish my goal. When we finished building the house, we decided to build a life together! I have a job that allows me to dedicate myself to the important things – my family, my faith, and the community. I care for two of my sisters and my youngest daughter, Danielle, is a special needs child so I am very active in her school. My children and grandchildren have a place to spend time together as a family.

When you are blessed, you should bless others in return. Now, I feel that I am able to bless others. I have not forgotten – I will never forget – what Habitat for Humanity did for me. I am very grateful. Thank you.

"This is my house...." -- Roxane Faz

This speech was given April 3, 2008 at a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. Roxane Faz, a single mother of one had only been in her home a few months.  Her home was completed in August, 2007.

Hello my name is Roxane Faz. I recently bought a Habitat home in the Palo Alto community for myself and my 14-year-old son.

Taking that first step to homeownership was a little scary at first, but I made it, thanks to Habitat for Humanity.

I’m here today to say I’m in awe. I’m in awe of all the wonderful volunteers who helped make my new home possible. Without your work and the work of Habitat for Humanity it might not have happened for me. Being a new homeowner is a very overwhelming feeling, but in a good way.

Today, I’m much happier and a lot less stressed. It’s been so exciting getting to know my neighbors and decorating my new home. There is just so much I want to do now and I have you – the volunteers – to thank for that.

Before becoming a Habitat homeowner, I lived in low-income housing and in rental homes that were costing me more than what I pay now. The area I lived in was bad and had gangs. I always kept to myself and only talked to my immediate neighbors. I’m a single mom and it was not only hard to make ends meet, it was also scary. I always wanted my son to have his own room and to feel safe.

I saw a billboard about Habitat and decided I would go for it. I knew that if I could get a house for less than what I was already paying and in a better neighborhood, I could make it. And, I would own my own home!

The overwhelming part came when I realized that this was really happening … that I was becoming a homeowner and had to perform 300 hours of sweat equity to make it happen. But I did it. I made it happen. I just had to work out my schedule. In the process I got to know so many wonderful people. It was so nice. I’m still in shock that there are so many people out there willing to help. They are always thinking of others and having fun on site. It was a teaching experience for me; I did not realize that there were that many volunteers!

It was also nice for me to get to work on the homes of my neighbors. I was helping build my community. And then we got to my house. I was like, “This is my house.”

I am a homeowner. I come home to my own house and not a rented one. My son has his own room. If anything ever happens to me, I know my son will be taken care of. It is a wonderful experience and I will always let others know about this organization.

Habitat is a great resource for families – helping and teaching us the value of owning a house, and how to overcome our past.

Now, I hope that I can become one of you -- a volunteer -- and help continue to build more Habitat homes and more communities, just like the one we’ve all help build.