The Mendez family

Maria Susana Mendez is a single mother with three children - Diana, Alexis and Marlene - who is currently participating in a rental subsidy program in San Juan Capistrano. The program has worked wonders for Maria, allowing her to improve her income, credit rating, and start her own business. Unfortunately, families can only participate in this program for a maximum of four years and Maria is going into her fourth year as a participant. After completing this program and turning her life around, Maria will make a model homeowner. But without Habitat, the high cost of housing in Southern California will make the dream of owning a home out of reach for Maria and her family.

The Mendez family seeks a safe and permanent home where Maria can raise her girls to be successful, respectful and independent, and where she can encourage them to pursue a college education. Maria says excitedly, "our family commitment is to be excellent neighbors and citizens with lifetime goals of volunteering and giving back to our community and the City of San Juan Capistrano.