The Gritton Family
Before partnering with Habitat for Humanity, Tabatha Gritton and her two children lived in a cramped two-bedroom apartment that was so cold Tabatha had to keep blankets covering the windows to keep her electricity bill affordable and the kids warm at night.

Photo by Donny Zavala

By partnering with Habitat for Humanity, Tammy Thomas, a group home caregiver and single mother with two daughters, realized her dream of becoming a homeowner on December 18, 2010. Their home was our 2010 Women Build.

Before buying their Habitat home, Loreano and Julia Gonzalez and their three children were living in an overcrowded apartment. Loreano took vacation time to work on the 2008 Builder's Blitz and quickly earned his family's 500 hours of sweat equity. Their home was our 2009 Thrivent Build.

The Ramsey Family
Before partnering with Habitat for Humanity, Lorraine Ramsey and her two daughters moved from one sub-standard dwelling to another, including a single wide trailer, a dilapidated farm house, and a rental in an unsafe neighborhood. Their home was our 2009 SLAMMS Build.

The Ceja Family
Christino and Maria Ceja and their four children struggled financially for years after their youngest daughter was born with medical complications that required surgeries and long-term medical care. Until their partnership with Habitat for Humanity, this family's financial set-back prevented them from aquiring conventional home loans. The Ceja's are now proud homeowners. Their home was our 2009 Our Savior's Lutheran Build.

The Manzo-Ochoa Family
For 11 years, Ramiro Manzo and Maria Manzo-Ochoa and their three children lived in an apartment with deplorable conditions, including mold infested carpets and a leaking bathroom ceiling. When their living conditions started affecting their youngest child- a daughter born with down syndrome and a fragile immune system- the family turned to banks for a traditional home mortgage. To their dismay, they learned that their projected mortgage payments where more than they could afford. Ramiro describes partnering with Habitat as a blessing from God, saying “My dream – a dream any family might have – for a home, can come true.” Their home was our 2009 Iris Build.

The Garcia Family
Before moving into their Habitat home, Luz and Porfiria Garcia lived with their son and Porfiria’s elderly mother in a one bedroom apartment. Even after working hard all of his life, Luz was unable to attain a home by traditional means. The Garcia's now live in a safe, clean Habitat home. Their home was one of our 2008 Home Builders Blitz Builds.

The Segura Family
Pedro and Olivia Segura and their two children have moved into their Habitat home in South Salem. Having once lived in a home so small their children had to sleep in the living room, the Segura's are proud to own a Habitat home closer to Pedro's job and with enough space for their children to learn and grow. Their home was one of our 2008 Home Builders Blitz Builds.

The Flores Family
Angel and Mariana Flores have worked hard for many years to provide the basics for their 10 children. They continue to balance work and home for their five youngest chlidren. Before partnering with Habitat, the Floreses lived in a two bedroom apartment in severely overcrowded conditions. Their home was our 2008 Thrivent Build.

The Bell Family
Before partnering with Habitat, single mother Susan Bell and her three children lived in an overcrowded two bedroom apartment that had mold and dry rot issues and an unresponsive landlord. Susan's middle child is severely autistic and needed safer accommodations. Susan and her eldest son refer to Habitat for Humanity as an "ingenious concept that gives good families a shot at life.”Their home was our 2008 Faith Build.

The Chytka Family
Chris and Kara Chytka and their three children have moved into their handicap accessible Habitat home in Aumsville, Oregon. Kara, paralyzed by ALS (Lou Gherig's Disease) and chronic Lyme disease, relies on her husband as her full-time caregiver. Their home was our 2008 SLAMMS Build.