Blessing ceremony of our 115th house James Avery’s Forging Hope charitable giving program sponsored this home.
Habitat for Humanity and James Avery’s Forging Hope welcoming home Amy Carrillo-Lerma and Gabriel Lerma, along with their two children, Aiden and Alliyah.
The spirit of giving and forming relationships is an integral part of Habitat for Humanity’s mission. Habitat seeks to bring hope to individuals and to build lives, families and communities. Habitat empowers those who may have been trapped for generations in the devastating cycle of poverty. By working in partnership with those families to help them realize the dream of homeownership, Habitat helps build self-esteem and self-reliance while restoring hope for a brighter future.
Habitat for Humanity makes homeownership possible for lower-income families who cannot qualify for commercial loans. Habitat homeowners must make a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, but the payments are lower than traditional mortgages because Habitat houses are sold at no profit. Habitat for Humanity screens homeowner applicants for need, ability to repay their loan and willingness to partner. In addition to the down payment and mortgage payments, homeowners must invest their own labor—sweat equity—into building their houses and the houses of others. This labor reduces the cost of the house, increases the pride of ownership and fosters the development of positive relationships.