Homeowner Spotlight - Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity

A Couple of Lots and a Dream

by Juan and Sonia Ramos, Habitat Homeowners

Juan Ramos moved to Illinois from California with his wife Sonia. He struggled to get a home for his family but his income did not meet the government’s requirements for assistance. For 15 years, Juan and Sonia tried to purchase a home for themselves and their growing family.

In the fall of 2006, Juan had an opportunity to purchase three empty lots from a neighbor. Juan, Sonia and their 6 children were renting a 3 bedroom home across the street from the lots. Juan had been caring for the lots for years as they provided a great place for his kids to play. It was Sonia and Juan’s hope to some day build a home on one of the lots.

That day came sooner then they expected. Eduardo Silva, fellow Slumberland employee, asked Juan if he considered contacting Habitat. Since 2001, Slumberland Furniture had been a tremendous supporter of the building program. The Ramos family applied for the program and was accepted in March 2007.

Coincidently, the lots owned by the Ramos Family were located in a neighborhood where Habitat had already built over 40 homes. Habitat jumped at the opportunity to purchase the three lots. Because of this partnership, three new families would start building their new homes in May.

The Ramos’s closed on their home in October of 2007. The family of eight now enjoys 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms! But it was a long summer. Habitat requires future homeowners to log 300 hours of labor in the construction of the home. Juan and Sonia are very appreciative of the help that his friends and Slumberland co-workers put in to helping complete the program.

Such an amazing summer for the Ramos’s as their empty lots were transformed into beautiful homes. And who says dreams can’t come true!

RAMOS FAMILY AT THEIR HOME DEDICATION CEREMONY