Local non-profit helps low-income families find homes

A local non-profit organization, Habitat for Humanity is helping low-income families find homes in the community.

The organization builds homes for families once a year with the goal of having families live comfortably and affordably.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18% of residents in Yuma County were below the poverty line 2016. Office Manager, Gisela Coronado with Habitat for Humanity said she has seen more families calling in to find an affordable home for their family. She also said that the organization builds one home per year, which makes it difficult to decide which family to help out first.

“We have to see who needs the house the most; we get families that have leaking roofs, walls that are old. We get kids that are sleeping with their brothers and sisters,” said Coronado.

Associate for Habitat, Sergio Macias, said he’s has seen the impact it leaves on families, knowing they now have a roof over their heads.

“It has to be the smiles, to have a place of their own knowing they don’t have to deal with the weather, they have a place to sleep every night, stay cozy and be safe,” said Macias.

In the last 3-years, Habitat has helped build two homes in the area and the non-profit is currently starting preparations to build a new home in Yuma.

“We know that in the Yuma community they need that little extra helping hand so while we have donors to help us out whether it’s with cash or donating furniture, construction materials that money will help build homes to make a difference in these families lives,” said Coronado.

Habitat for Humanity will be holding they’re Yuma Nightmare Haunted House Fundraiser beginning this Saturday, located at 15485 South Avenue 4E. The doors open at 7 p.m. and all proceeds received at the event will benefit Habitat for Humanity.