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Thrivent Builds 2006
Juarez Alcantara Family
This charming family of six, despite living in such poor conditions, is happy, energetic and loving. They lived in a small two-bedroom, one bathroom home in Los Angeles. John occupied one bedroom; Luz and her younger son shared the 2nd bedroom and Isabel and her two daughters slept in bunk beds in the corner of their storage room along with accumulated boxes and the washer and dryer. Both windows in this room were taped up with cardboard because there were no window panes. The bottom of the backdoor had a gap so large that they constantly battled with unwanted pests. Their home overall was in great disrepair. It had been inspected several times by the city for violation of health and safety codes. After numerous requests by the city to fix those violations, the landlord made only minor adjustments without making any real improvements. Even though living in those conditions would be a strain on any person, the Juarez Alcantara family managed to stay focused and positive.
Luz has been an inspiration to her family. As a single parent for almost 15 years; she has worked hard to provide for her family. Her eldest son, Estevan, got strength from his mother’s inspiration and enrolled in Trade Technical College. One day, while volunteering with his school in Ontario, he learned about Habitat for Humanity. Estevan immediately saw Habitat for Humanity as an opportunity for his family. He called his mom and urged her to apply. Soon after she applied, Luz and her family were selected. After being selected, she got the motivation to get a better job. She started working part-time in housekeeping at Garfield Hospital. It wasn’t long before Luz realized that her growing family needed her to go even further. She went to school and got licensed as a CNA then quickly got a job at a convalescence hospital in Santa Monica. Her two oldest children living at home also work to help provide for the younger children in the home. Isabel is a receptionist at a radio station and John works as a floor installer. The three younger children seem genuinely happy and nurtured. Their family now has the stability of a close knit family that is willing to work hard to get ahead.
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