SAN ANTONIO – Habitat for Humanity helped 10 families realize their dreams of becoming homeowners by dedicating 10 homes on the West Side of San Antonio Friday.
"Really excited because it is going to be our first house," said Sandra Gonzalez, who will be moving in along with her husband and two baby girls.
The Gonzalez family put in the required 300 hours of sweat equity, working on their house as well has helping neighbors work on theirs, and also completing 15 hours of homeowner management. The sweat makes the home that much sweeter.
"We feel really proud about it, been putting our sweat in it, hard work and really excited to move in," said Gonzalez.
They are able to reach the goal of home ownership thanks to hundreds of volunteers' including those from the Haven for Hope. They have been sending volunteers for the last six months.
"Learn how to adjust to different people, how to work with different people," said Justin Melton, who is volunteering for the first time.
Melton has been living at Haven for Hope for a couple of months, working on rebuilding his life.
Not only is Habitat empowering new homeowners, but the volunteers are being built up, as well
"It's a great opportunity to be around the people that actually do care about you for once in a long time," Melton said. "Since I suffered from addiction, it's great to actually have people that care around you."
"We appreciate that is can be empowering for them (volunteers), and then they are empowering our families, as well," said Stephanie Wiese, vice president of Habitat for Humanity.