September / October 2018
Meet the Diaz Brothers Jason is 32 years old and has been legally blind since birth. Because of his disability, he lives with his older brother, Luis, and their mother Maria. Jason said, “Our family unit is not a conventional one, but we depend on each other.”
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Will Sunter- President Elias Mahshie - Vice-President Stacy Jones - Secretary Tommy Williamson - Treasurer Jeff Cardillo - Past President VOTING DIRECTORS James Coalwell Jay Gordon Greg Griner Paul Lioon Roger Miller Steven Vito Pastor Rich Webb Brittney Williamson CEO Mike Mansfield
When Jason inquired about the Habitat program, he, Luis and their mom were living in a two bedroom apartment because that is all they could afford. The adult brothers shared a room, which was only big enough for a bunkbed. Jason said it was very uncomfortable, so he moved his mattress to the living room floor to sleep. Jason, Luis and Maria quickly gathered all the necessary documents to apply for Habitat’s homeownership program. Luis vividly recalls the phone call from Debbie telling him they were approved into the program, “I had a big smile on my face, and Jason began jumping up and down with joy!” Completing 300 hours of sweat equity was challenging because of Jason’s disability and Luis’ full-time employment. Knowing they were working for a home of their own made the process well worth it. The Diaz family completed their program requirements and closed on their home in June. Our staff celebrated with them not only because of their accomplishments but also because they were the 400th family that Charlotte County Habitat has helped to achieve the dream of homeownership! Jason said, “We feel more secure knowing that we have a roof over our heads that is ours, and we do not have to worry that it will be taken away.” Thank you for continuing to partner with Charlotte County Habitat and making dreams come true for local families. Together, we continue to build a stronger community one family at a time.
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