Habitat for Humanity East Bay

Meet the Gutierrez Family

As a teenage mother, Daneisha could have become a statistic; instead, she chose to work hard for her children and herself. Her persistence has paid off and now she is able to purchase her own home through Habitat East Bay’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

Daneisha and her son, Isaiah (15-years-old) and daughter, Isis (10-years-old), rent a small two-bedroom house in Antioch; the kids have shared a bedroom for most of their lives and are excited to finally have space of their own. They are also looking forward to becoming involved in the community.

“Since it’s an established community we would be moving into, I would collaborate with my neighbors and ask how my skills could be an asset…You never know who may also need a hand up but is not sure of what resources are available,” she said.

The family is very active in their church and the community, with the kids participating in the Boys and Girls Club and different sports programs. But, Daneisha says her first priority is at home.

“I believe improvements to any neighborhood starts at home...with our children. I believe if we raise responsible, educated, giving, loving, grateful children, then that is one more person in the world that will have it in their hearts to give back to the less fortunate and take care of our communities.”

Daneisha, who currently works as a Billing Consultant for Aetna, is excited to learn how non-profit organizations like Habitat work. “Being a teen mom, it’s always been my wish to start a program to help other teen mothers understand that just because you had a child early, doesn’t mean you have to give in to being a statistic,” she says.