More Family Success Stories Contact: Homeowner Relations (650) 568-7322 housinginterest @peninsulahabitat.org Home Family Success Stories The Rodriguez Family Habitat Family Says Home is a Reminder that 'God Looks After Us' Some might call the Rodriguez Family lucky. They've won a lottery twice. The first time enabled them to rent a townhouse. The second time enabled them to purchase their very own home. Their "lucky streak" began several years ago when Veronica and Juan Rodriguez applied to rent a two-bedroom, one-bathroom, two-story apartment in Daly City, and won living space in the complex when their names were drawn through a lottery. Veronica said that although the apartment was decent and the kitchen was big, the complex wasn't an ideal place for raising their three young boys. "The neighborhood we used to live in wasn't very safe," she said. "Some of our neighbors' kids were troublemakers and bad influences on our boys. And there wasn't a lot of space for the kids. My younger son is asthmatic and we couldn't have all three boys share the one bedroom. Moises [the youngest] had to sleep with Juan and me, and I had to get up a lot with him." The Rodriguezes knew they needed another housing option, but owning a home in Daly City was out of their price range. "We weren't sure where to look for a house," said Veronica. "We didn't want to move far away because both of our jobs were here, but we didn't think we'd have a choice." The Rodriguezes looked for houses as far north as Eureka and as far east as Pittsburgh in the East Bay. Then Veronica learned of "Our Second Home," a grassroots family support center and program offered through her boys' school, which provided her with information about different community programs including Peninsula Habitat for Humanity and Bank of America's workshops for first-time homebuyers. "We received a letter in the mail from "Our Second Home" with news that Peninsula Habitat for Humanity had homes available on Third Avenue in Daly City," Veronica said. "It was our opportunity to buy a house in the city." The Rodriguezes attended Habitat's first presentation for homeowner applicants and were interested in applying. They provided Habitat with all of the necessary paperwork and waited to hear whether they were selected. "As we waited, something inside me kept saying, 'That's going to be your house,' and I didn't believe it," Veronica said. "Now, I'm glad we had the patience and listened to God. We waited and God provided." At the end of the selection process, Peninsula Habitat for Humanity entered all qualified applicants into a lottery. Juan and Veronica became lottery winners for a second time when their family was selected as one of six families to purchase homes. After completing their sweat equity, they moved into their home in the summer 2005. "We never imagined we would be picked. It was like a dream," Veronica said. "This house is very special to us." Veronica also said that her family not only enjoys their house, they also have enough space to invite friends over more often for gatherings and celebrations. "We have an extra room and another bathroom," she said. "We have a garage, more storage, and a street where everyone can play. It's a very healthy, comfortable environment. It's peaceful and quiet." The Rodriguezes also have a small yard which they're looking forward to planting soon. "We're going to use the yard for planting vegetables," said Veronica. "I like to have fresh vegetables and it saves you money. We also want to create a fun place in the backyard where we can relax and read." Veronica said that she doesn't know if her family will one day move onto buy a bigger, market-rate home, but that they've learned to save money and know they have that option in the future. "We are so happy - so blessed," she said. "Everyday this home reminds us that God's looking after us." To read more about Habitat families, please click here.