Sonia and her two kids, 18-year-old Ashley and 16-year-old Jacob, will soon be moving into their Angeleno home. The family is sighing with relief as they look forward to finally calling this place their own, a dream years in the making.
Sonia first heard about Habitat’s homeownership program from a co-worker, whose sister, also a single mother, had gone through it. Hearing how transformative the process was convinced Sonia to apply in 2021.
The pandemic, however, slowed everything down. “The only thing that delayed us was COVID,” Sonia recalled, “but the SGV Habitat team didn’t give up on us.”
That commitment filled Sonia with gratitude. She and her children know they wouldn’t be here without the tireless dedication of Habitat volunteers and staff who helped them push through the rough patches.
To qualify, Sonia’s family completed 350 hours of sweat equity. Sonia enjoyed greeting customers and sharing Habitat’s mission at the Duarte ReStore. Even more meaningful was the time she, Ashley, and Jacob spent building their own home together. 
“Being here, boots on the ground helping to build our home, has made me very happy,” Sonia said. “It feels good knowing that we did our part in putting this project together.”
On September 13, Sonia’s family met the other families who will share the fourplex. The gathering was warm and welcoming, united by a shared mission: building homes for families in need.
With the dedication quickly approaching, Sonia and her children can hardly wait. Jacob teases his mom, saying he loves sharing a room with her, but admits he’s more than ready for his own space. For Sonia, the moment means finally being able to take a deep breath, knowing the home will truly be theirs.