Cynthia Ruiz has a family of 6 who are her life. As a single mother, it has not always been smooth sailing for her and her children. She has been sober for 15 years and counting and is an advocate for those trying to do the same. She works at Arkos Health, and her passion is in helping support those in recovery.
Cynthia was forced out of her home when her landlord gave her less than a month to find a new space before she had to leave. Cynthia has moved 7 times in the last 15 years. She faced unstable housing because of rent increases, their rental house selling, and an unsafe environment. They were constantly on the move.
Because of her credit score, Cynthia never thought she would be a homeowner. She said that she prayed every night for an angel to come and help her. When she got the phone call from Habitat Tucson, she knew it was the angels looking after her and her family. She says, “I never thought I would be able to buy my daughters a house.”
Cynthia has completed her sweat equity and moved into her home in Carters Court in the summer of 2022.
When she was volunteering she had a house in mind that she had hoped she would get—and she was able to purchase the house of her dreams.
In her new yard, Cynthia planted a tree for each of her daughters so when they get older with their own kids they can visit and remember each of their trees. She truly wants to make her forever house feel like a home not only for her but for all her children.
In Spring of 2022, Cynthia shared her story with volunteers at the Women Build event. The build day was held in Marana, in the new Whitney Farms neighborhood. Women Build supports, uplifts, and empowers single moms and women from all walks of life. At Women Build 2022, Cynthia expressed her deep gratitude to Habitat and to all the volunteers. There wasn’t a dry eye as she said, “The volunteers are my angels. You are doing God’s work.”
