The Family
Here is a quick description of the wonderful family that will call the EXIT Habitat Home their home!
Mirna Santana and her 15-year-old son have lived in the same, run-down apartment for 9 years. They have no control over the temperature in the apartment, there is mold from leaks in the pipes, there has been a horrible smell coming from the bathroom since the day they moved in, but it is Section 8 housing and it’s all they can afford. Mirna and her son Brian are incredibly close. “We’re like best friends,” she says. They enjoy just sitting, talking and enjoying each other’s company. He is teaching her how to work out and she teaches him how to cook. When Mirna told her mother that she would become a homeowner through Habitat for Humanity, her mother was moved to tears.
Despite all that she has been through, Mirna has made the most of her life. As a survivor of domestic violence, Mirna has found a strength and persistence that define the amazing women that she is. Owning a home will be the accomplishment of a life goal for Mirna. She says it will change her mental state, she will feel more complete. She looks forward to having a clean and healthy home, especially because her son suffers from Asthma and the mold where they live now is so bad for his health.
