Habitat for Humanity East Bay
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Meet the Valadez Family
Elsy Valadez first learned of Habitat East Bay’s program several years ago when her daughter, Sabrina, overheard a conversation while at work. Sabrina encouraged her mom to apply, but Elsy was skeptical and said she did not want to deal with the process. Now, she is grateful for the opportunity to own her own home.
Four-years-ago, life changed dramatically for the Valadez family. At 25-years-old, Sabrina was involved in an horrific car accident that caused severe brain injury and left her needing 24 hour supervision. Elsy, not having any other option, quit her job to become her daughter’s full-time care giver with In-Home-Services.
Currently, mother and daughter live in a cramped, one-bedroom apartment in Walnut Creek on the second floor. Due to Sabrina’s injury, going up and down the stairs has been difficult so Elsy is looking forward to having a single-storey home. They are also both excited to have their own room as personal space has been limited since the accident.
Despite these challenges, Elsy and Sabrina enjoy going for walks, swimming, and working on Sabrina’s homework. Sabrina is currently in a school that teaches independent living skills. She is also a regular volunteer at an elderly home, teaching them how to crochet and play games.
Elsy said the first thing she plans to do when she and Sabrina move in is have their pastor bless their home. “God blessed us with this home. Not too many people can buy a house,” she said.
The family plans to stay involved with Habitat for Humanity to help pay their good fortune forward to another family. Whether it is volunteering here in the Bay Area, or someday in El Salvador where she is from originally, Elsy believes that her contributions can help make the dream of homeownership a reality for another family like hers.
“I’m so excited to have a home of my own,” says Elsy. “I feel like a little kid with a new toy! I can’t wait to have a place that is ours.”
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