Amanda Nunez is mother to two boys, Andres, 15, and Fabian, 9. Known for their playful nature, Amanda describes her family as a group that loves to joke around and have fun together. As a dispatcher for a security company, Amanda works graveyard shifts, clocking in 12-hour workdays, four nights a week. Her family enjoys spending their free time hiking through the beautiful trails around Tucson, but life hasn’t always been easy for them.
Before finding Habitat for Humanity, Amanda’s living situation was far from ideal. She and her boys were living in a duplex, with the boys sharing a room while Amanda had her own. While they made do, she longed for something more permanent. “I’m just looking for something more permanent so that they can have their own space,” she shared. Her dream was to find a place where her family could build lasting memories.
The path to homeownership was filled with challenges. Amanda had faced financial struggles. At one point, she was informed that her rent would increase by $250, making it difficult to keep up with rising costs. The apartment she was living in was going to bump up her rent by $250.00 a month. It was then that Amanda remembered a story about her uncle, who had received a home from Habitat for Humanity over 20 years ago.
Inspired by his success, Amanda decided to take a chance and apply. This was her first time applying, and since being accepted into the program her experience with Habitat Tucson has been nothing short of life changing. She is almost finished with her sweat equity hours, a requirement for the program, and has enjoyed every moment.
“My favorite part has been building the houses,” she says. “It just shows you all the little pieces that go into it.”
The process has not only helped her gain new skills but also allowed her to bond with others and feel a sense of community. “Everybody’s so nice, they want to teach you the right way so that you don’t hurt yourself and that you learn for the future.” As Amanda nears the finish line, she looks forward to a future full of possibilities. She and her boys are excited about the prospect of having a permanent, safe place to call their own. “I just want my boys to have a space that they deserve,” she shares. For Amanda, home means more than just a roof over their heads. “Home is family. Home is memories,” she explains.
What Amanda is most excited about is knowing that her family will always have a place to go, no matter where life takes them. “No matter what happens, they always have a home to go to,” she says with a smile. For Amanda, this new chapter is a home filled with love, laughter, and the promise of brighter days ahead.