“We thank the Building Hope Program and Serving Hands International for this great help. Now my grandchildren will be able to sleep peacefully, without fear of getting wet at night.”
In an emotional letter, Mrs. Agustina Pineda thanked Serving Hands International and the “Building Hope” Roofing Program for the support she received in rebuilding her worn out roof.
Her story is heartbreaking. Agustina’s husband, Victor, is a street vendor, and due to various issues has developed lung problems. However, as best he can, he has managed to support the family with what he earns each day.
The daughter of this marriage, a strong and resilient woman, sadly passed away from COVID-19 She left behind 9 children, and her partner fled from his responsibilities as soon as he had the opportunity, leaving Agustina and Victor in charge.
They alone were struggling to make ends meet, and now with 9 children in their care, things would be chaotic.
Among the grandchildren, the situation is varied. Three of them are in elementary school, one in middle school and one in high school. The older ones, ages 14 and 16, clean cars on weekends at the U.S.-Mexico border to earn some money and help with expenses.
During the week, they attend school, dreaming of a better future, although the nights of homework under a leaky roof are not easy.
One of the granddaughters – the girl Agustina is holding in her arms in the photograph – has infantile cerebral palsy and requires special care. Agustina does her best to care for her, although they receive no significant support from the government in any way.
The home they all share was in precarious condition. When it rained, leaks flooded the rooms where the children slept, forcing them to move their mattresses in the early hours of the morning. The nights were cold and wet, but Agustina’s faith never waned. She prayed fervently, asking for a miracle.
Agustina and her family’s plight came to the attention of our Oblate Pastoral Center staff, who referred them to the Roofing Program. They went to visit the family, and when they were deeply moved, they offered to repair the roof of their home completely free of charge.
They replaced the old waterproofing and torn tarps with a new, sturdy roof. When the work was finished, Agustina looked at the roof with tears in her eyes. “Now my children will be able to sleep peacefully,” she said, hugging her grandchildren. Next nights, for the first time in years, there will be no buckets for leaks or bone-chilling cold.
The family still faces many challenges: Victor’s health, caring for his disabled granddaughter, and daily sustenance. But under that new roof, hopes are renewed.
Agustina knows that life has not been easy, but as long as she has strength and love, she will continue to fight for her family.
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