For Esmeralda, a single mother of two, the concept of “home” has always been fleeting. Moving back and forth between Phoenix and Tucson throughout her childhood, she never had the chance to put down roots. Now, as a future homeowner with Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s Homeownership Program, she is building a permanent foundation of peace and stability for her daughters, 10-year-old Ruby and 2-year-old Ayah.
The family’s journey to this point has been marked by transition and cramped living spaces. Before being accepted into the program, Esmeralda and her girls were living in a single room at her mother’s house.
"It was me and my two daughters in that one room, and I was just tired of it," Esmeralda shared.
Driven by the need for space and privacy, she applied for an apartment, a decision that coincided almost exactly with the life-changing news from Habitat Tucson. “I was feeling overwhelmed with happiness. But at the same time, I should have waited… but it’s worth it. The space is worth it though,” she said, reflecting on the bittersweet timing.
Esmeralda’s path to the Homeownership Program was one of patience and perseverance. She first learned about it through the Primavera Foundation years ago but was initially held back by a high debt-to-income ratio following her divorce. She stayed connected with the program, and her persistence finally paid off.
Her experience on the construction site has been a source of joy and community. Despite initial nerves, the welcoming environment made all the difference.
“I was very nervous because I didn’t even know what to do,” she recalled. When a construction leader named Tony asked her to grab a tool, she laughed nervously. “I don’t know what you’re asking me for. You’re speaking a foreign language.” Instead of frustration, Tony responded with kindness and guidance. “He laughed and smiled about it and was like, ‘Here, I’ll show you come with me.’ That’s what made me feel like, OK, good, you don’t have to know your stuff.”
When asked what she is most looking forward to in her new Habitat Tucson home, Esmeralda’s answer is centered on providing a consistent, secure childhood for her daughters—something she never had.
“I’m giving my daughters their own space and structure,” she said. “I want them to be in the same school, in the same home. I just want them to grow up more comfortable than I did. That’s what I’m most excited about is the stability of it.”
This new home represents more than just shelter; it is a smart investment and a forever legacy for her family.
“I feel like I’d rather invest in a home that is a forever thing rather than something that I’m just going to keep for a year and maybe not even be there the next year,” Esmeralda explained. “To me it’s our investment.”
For a family that has known so much movement, the new Habitat home represents a final, joyful destination. Esmeralda is building a lasting legacy: a peaceful, stable home where her daughters can grow, made possible through her hard work and the support of her community.
Like Esmeralda, your family can benefit from the Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s Homeownership Program. Learn more about how it works here.