SAN DIEGO — At a time when homeownership feels out of reach for so many, there's still one non-profit, helping make that dream a reality. In another edition of CBS 8's Working for our Community series, we shed light, on Habitat for Humanity and share one family's story.
"My home is beautiful," Fernando Torres said. And that beautiful home, he helped build. "Drywall, painting, plumbing, irrigation. I was involved with everything," he added.
That's one of the requirements for Habitat for Humanity homeowners.
"When you have the opportunity to build your own home, connect with the volunteers - that makes you appreciate it even more. It gives you a chance to love your home because you built it, you used your own hands to build it," Torres said.
One morning back in 2015, Torres was walking his son to school - noticed a Habitat for Humanity project underway and decided to apply for a home of his own. "We were just blessed. They changed our lives," he said.
Before the help from Habitat for Humanity, Torres had been living in an apartment with his growing family of five.
"San Diego is quickly becoming one of the most expensive places to buy a home, but it's long been one of the most expensive places to live period," President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity, Kwofi Reed said. "As for how we choose, or select the families - it's highly competitive, as you can imagine - in a market as expensive as ours."
To emphasize the demand, the most recent Habitat for Humanity development in Escondido on El Norte Parkway had upwards of 500 qualified applicants, for just ten homes. Kwofi says they follow a three-point criteria. Typically, those chosen are first-time homebuyers and have a family in need.
Kwofi says applicants need to answer three basic questions to qualify: "Are they in a situation that's unsafe, crowded, or unstable?"
The second thing is their ability to pay the mortgage.
"While it is affordable, there is a mortgage that needs to be supported. We build the home, we provide that first mortgage, and we make up the difference with donations, capital support and other donations brought in from the community," Kwofi said.
And finally, a family's willingness and ability to partner with the non-profit.
"Sweat equity is a big component of our model," the President and CEO added.
As Habitat for Humanity brings hope for our community and housing resources together, more families are getting into affordable homes - and like Torres, building equity and generational wealth. Torres continued to volunteer with the organization and now runs a Habitat for Humanity ReStore, where people can donate used or unused materials.
"I always tell my customers, this is the first stop you should go for big discounts."
To help support their mission or your own - you can shop at the Habitat ReStores in Escondido, Kearny Mesa, or National City.
"Our ReStore is a place where we sell home goods and building supplies and every dollar goes back into our homes," Kwofi said.
Volunteers and donations are also always welcome.