Habitat for Humanity East Bay

Meet the Zavala Family

For the Zavala family owning their own home will be a dream come true. Isidro first came to the United States from El Salvador in 1997 when his father won the visa lottery. After getting his documentation, he immediately returned to El Salvador to finish his high school education and later met, and married, Rosa. The two returned to Oakland several years later where they have been living ever since. The couple has one daughter, Kimberly, and is expecting their second child in the summer of 2010.

The Zavalas currently live in a small, overcrowded apartment and are concerned with mold and crime in their neighborhood; recently a 14-year-old in the community was shot and killed. They also have no yard where Kimberly can play. “Our lives are going to change,” Isidro says. “We are going to have our own home and more space, and of course our new baby is going to be in our new home. Also, our daughter is finally going to be able to have a pet.”

The family is very involved in Obrero Catholic church where Isidro serves on the Board and Rosa helps cook for activities. They also volunteer with an organization that helps new immigrants. The Zavalas describe themselves as a responsible and peaceful family and are looking forward to having neighbors who care about each other. They are looking forward to the stability that comes from owning your own home as well as the responsibility; their desire is to work hard to be able to provide their children what they need.

Isidro says the first thing they will put up when they move into their new home is their wedding photo and a picture of the family.