June 29, 2022
“When I was little, my mom used to work for the lady who owned this house. She took care of the woman’s husband who was [disabled]” says John Villegas. “My mom would bathe him and feed him.” It was a job Gomezinda Villegas performed admirably for many years, while also raising seven children of her own as a single mom. In fact, she did such a great job that when the man who lived here passed away, his wife offered to sell Ms. Villegas the house for well below what it was worth. By this time, John Villegas was in the U.S. Army where he spent eight years. He would come back and visit his mom here. “This house meant everything to her,” he recalls. He lost his mother in 2007 and now lives here with his sister, Janey Canales. Even though many of his neighbors have sold their homes for top dollar, he says “I’m not leaving. “This is home forever.” When asked his favorite memories of the house, he answers “the family used to have get togethers here, we’d have a party in the back, little kids running around; they’re all grown up now and my mom is gone.” Mr. Villegas is very grateful for the much needed upgrades made to his beloved home. Thanks to the generous funding from The Home Depot Foundation, contractors were able to replace rotting siding, add a new roof and install a new ramp. The outside of him home was painted and refreshed as well, Bringing back to life, the house his mom earned through her hard work and compassion all those years ago.
“Thank you so much. We appreciate it.”