For John and Sabrina and their three children, the dream of a safe and stable home has been a long-held goal, one made even more urgent by their family’s profound medical journey. Parents to Leah, 9, Eliana, 11, and Aidyn, 14, their path to homeownership with Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s Homeownership Program is a story of resilience, faith, and a need for security.
The family’s motivation to apply was fueled by their current living situation: an 850-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath duplex built in the 1960s. They described a home with significant electrical hazards, including burn marks on outlets that short-circuit if two appliances are used at once. “Our electric bill is average about $315 a month,” John shared, citing single-pane windows with failing seals that let in dust and wind. The lack of space is a constant strain, with a tiny backyard that doubles as a rest area for their dogs, making it difficult to do laundry safely.
Beyond the physical discomfort, safety is a major concern. “We’ve had a lot of activity in and out walking through our complex,” John said, noting increased foot traffic from nearby homeless encampments and even two SWAT raids on a home in their cul-de-sac. This environment means their children can’t simply go outside to play. “I could actually just let my kids go out front and go play and I don’t have to just sit there and watch them like hawks,” John said, describing the safety he envisions in their new neighborhood.
These challenges are compounded by the serious health needs of their oldest daughter, Aidyn, who is a heart transplant survivor approaching her five-year anniversary. Her ongoing care requires frequent, grueling trips to Phoenix. “There’s some days where… they had to leave about 3:00 in the morning,” John explained. The new home’s location will significantly reduce this travel burden, giving the family precious time and energy.
The constant stress of an unsafe, inefficient, and cramped home takes a toll, distracting from what matters most. For this family, the Habitat Tucson home represents more than just space; it represents the ability to focus on their daughter’s health and their family’s well-being.
“Having a house would be just that much sweeter to be able to go home to,” John shared, highlighting how a stable foundation is inextricably linked to their ability to care for Aidyn.
When they received the acceptance call from Habitat, the feeling was one of “huge relief.” “All three of my daughters just went absolutely bananas,” John recalled. “It’s like we won the lottery, basically.”
Now, as they work together towards their sweat equity hours, they look forward to the simple, life-changing comforts their new home will bring: a second bathroom, a functional dishwasher, a garage, and, most importantly, security. For this faithful family, the answer to what starts with a home was simple and unanimous: “God. Family.”
Through partnership and perseverance, they are building more than a house; they are building a sanctuary—a place where their children can play freely, their daughter can heal, and their family can have a place to call home.
Like John and Sabrina, your family can benefit from the Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s Homeownership Program. Learn more about how it works here.