Vanessa and future homeowner Amanda happily stand shoulder to shoulder while volunteering on a job site.
Even one veteran facing housing instability is one too many. According to the Housing Assistance Council, approximately 234,299 Florida veterans live in homes with one or more major problems of quality, crowding, or cost. Additionally, roughly 25.7% of Florida veterans pay more than 30% of their income for their housing.
Osvaldo, a U.S. Army veteran, is one of many veterans facing housing challenges after transitioning from military to civilian life. Currently, he shares a single bedroom in his parents’ house with his wife and their nearly two-year-old daughter. Due to the limited space, Osvaldo has had to rent out a storage unit to keep his family’s belongings.
“Housing is probably the most stressful situation for me right now,” Osvaldo said. He’d like to provide his daughter with space as she grows and provide privacy for his family. Yet, the cost of buying a home has proved to be challenging for Osvaldo.
He explored various housing options, but finding something affordable was out of reach until he partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties.
Service is a way of life
Service has always been a guiding principle in Osvaldo’s life. Originally from Mexico, where his two older brothers served as soldiers, Osvaldo grew up inspired by them.
“When I came to the U.S., I really wanted to do the same,” Osvaldo explained. His desire to serve extended beyond the military, as he now serves as a police officer for the Fort Myers Police Department.
“It’s about trying to help other people,” Osvaldo said. “It’s not just about getting criminals, it’s about what you can do for the community.”
A home for his family
As a father, Osvaldo is determined to give his daughter what he had growing up in Mexico- a place for their family to call their own. Several of Osvaldo’s family members, including his parents, also became homeowners through Habitat for Humanity.
Now, he can look forward to affordable homeownership with a mortgage set at 30% of his income.
“I’m 32, and honestly, providing my family with the space they need will be one of the greatest achievements in my life so far,” Osvaldo said.
