After 17 years of dreaming of owning a home of her own, Yadira Ordoñez almost gave up. Until her brother became an Acts homeowner himself and encouraged her to follow his footsteps.
At first, she was nervous and apprehensive. She still felt that it was too good to be true. But today, with tears in her eyes, Yadira says she is finally living the American dream of owning a home for her and her 3 sons. “Having our own home is such a relief. I feel less stressed and so much more peaceful now” commented Yadira.
Yadira’s middle son, Saul, added “I still can’t believe this house is ours. We can play as much as we want and no one is going to yell at us for making too much noise. That makes me happy!”
A forever home, in Yadira’s words, means everything. It’s a huge cost savings, going from $795 in monthly rent to a $475 mortgage payment. It also means peace of mind and a huge sense of accomplishment. “I feel like having a house for me and my boys makes us a happier and more united family” she said with a big smile. “It makes me feel like I’m a good mom, even when I can’t give them everything.”
When she purchased her home, it needed major repairs. Yadira’s brothers (many of them Acts homeowners themselves) and oldest son helped move the project forward and stay on budget and schedule. Her rehab project focused on flooring, electricity, roof and gutter repairs, plumbing, heat, and kitchen cabinets. When the pandemic began, she was nervous it would derail her project. But she found ways to still move forward and finish on time.
Yadira’s favorite part of her new home is her bright and sun-filled kitchen. She says it’s her happy place where she can cook her sons’ favorite meals every day. She says she’s always dreamed of having a large and spacious kitchen.
