Estefanía was raising four children in a deteriorating trailer on a remote ranch in rural Tijuana. The roof leaked. The electricity was unreliable. The air turned cold at night, and the trailer did little to keep her children warm.
She has two sons and took in her two nieces after their mother disappeared. With little support and an income of just $49 a week from odd jobs, Estefanía was doing everything she could to care for her family. Her father and brother helped when they could, but the idea of a safe, permanent home seemed far out of reach.
“Life was very difficult and uncomfortable,” she said. “Having a decent house was important to me because it meant safety, comfort,and a place where my children could grow and feel secure.”
That dream came true one year ago when a team of volunteers from International Relief Teams arrived to build Estefanía a new home in a single day.
“Now we don’t get wet anymore, and we’re not cold like before,” Estefanía said. “Thanks to the house built by International Relief Teams volunteers, we live more comfortably and peacefully.”
Today, her children are thriving. Jennifer, age 9, dreams of becoming a nurse. Omar wants to drive a truck or operate a forklift. Camila and Jazmín both hope to become veterinarians.
“They’re happy because they have a safe roof over their heads,” Estefanía said. “They play, they run around, and they’re excited to help around the house.”
She remembers their first night in the new home. “It was very emotional. So peaceful. The best feeling is being able to meet the needs of my children.”
They are more secure and at peace. It’s the best thing that you could have given us.
With safety comes stability. And with stability comes possibility.
Estefanía is now dreaming bigger. She hopes to start a small business to further support her family. “We’re not afraid someone will come and take this from us. It’s ours—a legacy I can leave my children.”
Her children feel it, too. “They want to help others the way we were helped,” she said.
To the donors who made this possible, Estefanía offers her deepest thanks:
“You gave us what we wanted most. You are angels in our lives. We don’t even have the words to thank you.”
What once felt impossible is now a reality—a safe home, a hopeful future, and the strength to move forward—all made possible by the generosity of our donors.
Through our New Homes, New Beginnings program, International Relief Teams sends teams of 15 volunteers to Tijuana to build a 16’ x 20’ single-story home for families living in poverty in just one day.
You can help build the next safe home. Learn more about volunteering or becoming a monthly donor.