Now, two decades later, Rose and her sons—Prince and Fred—as well as her daughters Taryn and toddler Miracle, are working on building their forever home in Tucson, AZ. A few years after Rose arrived in Arizona, her parents also relocated to Tucson to escape the war. As a proud Tucsonan, Rose has established a fulfilling life for herself, spending the last 15 years working at a local grocery store. She enjoys helping her customers and takes pride in maintaining the store. Her infectious smile and determination to create a better life for her family have undoubtedly influenced her children.
Rose’s oldest son, Stephen, has joined the military, while Prince is currently enrolled at the University of Arizona. She beams with pride, noting that her family members are not only kind and respectful to each other but also excel in their studies. Yet, despite their accomplishments, this incredible family has faced living conditions that are the polar opposite of their aspirations. Although Rose has paid her rent on time for over 15 years, her landlord has consistently raised the rent and ignored her requests for necessary repairs.
"It’s nasty here [in our current house], yes, but I told my kids that we manage because very soon, next year, we’re going to get our own [Habitat for Humanity Tucson] house. I will really be happy to get my own house.”
Her oldest daughter’s bedroom has developed leaks, creating a significant mold issue in their home. The problem worsens during rainy weather, raising serious concerns, especially with 3-year-old Miracle in the household. Additionally, the air conditioning in their apartment has not worked, leaving them without cooling during the sweltering summer months. Fortunately, Rose was able to stay at her mother’s house during the hottest days.
One day, while discussing her troubling living conditions with a coworker, Rose learned about the Habitat for Humanity program. Her coworker shared her own positive experience as a recipient of a Habitat home, which she paid off after 25 years. Intrigued, Rose applied for the program and was accepted. Despite the challenges she faces, Rose maintains a positive outlook, emphasizing the silver lining in her current situation.
She confesses that if she didn’t have a job, she would dedicate all of her time to Habitat Tucson. Upon receiving the call that she was accepted into the program, she eagerly jumped into her required sweat equity, completing 150 hours in the first month!
“I like everywhere. I like everything. I love it! That’s my own house I’m working for. I’m going to own my own house. I love it! It’s my house I’m working for myself,” Rose gleefully exclaimed.
Rose looks forward to the day she can call a place her own—a home where she can host friends and family and nurture her loved ones. With excitement, she envisions the moment when she receives the key to her new home.
She says proudly, “I'm gonna get my own home, and I'm going to get my key in my hand, and they're going to open the door and get me my house, and I'm going to say thank you, God!”