Sharing the Blessing of Homeownership

Santa Lluberes applies mastic to blocks that will form the walls of a Habitat home in Veracruz.

By Heather Wilkinson

Santa Lluberes — a volunteer from Paterson, N.J. — stands on a ladder high above the floor of the house she is working on. As she expertly applies mastic to the wall, you would never know that this is her first Habitat build.

Although this is her first build, Santa has first-hand experience with Habitat’s house-building work. Santa’s parents are Habitat homeowners in Paterson, and she works for the organization as a project coordinator, with a focus on resource development.

“Since my parents are Habitat homeowners I feel like I really understand the importance of owning a home,” she says. “Participating in the JCWP 2004 has been the experience of a lifetime. I’m honored to be here.”