Overcoming Life’s Challenges
Jose Carrillo’s mom, Maria, is an incredible person who has spent most of Jose’s life in a wheelchair. Shortly after he was born, Maria was in a terrible accident and lost most of the use of her legs and arms.

However, despite such challenges, Maria was determined to improve her family’s future.

Their previous home was far from ideal.  It was not wheelchair-accessible, and some of the rooms were impossible for Maria to even enter.  So, spurred by a friend, in 1999, Maria applied to Habitat for Humanity Tucson.

“I remember when Habitat called for the home visit,” Jose said.  “We were in the middle of a family barbeque.  The volunteer called and said he would like to come over that day.  We all scrambled to clean up the house.  I remember stuffing my things into corners everywhere.  We wanted to make a good impression.”

It must have worked, because they were approved.  Maria completed more than her required 200 hours of sweat equity by answering phones at the Habitat office.  Her mom, Carmen, volunteered to act as Maria’s “hands,” writing down messages and helping with clerical work.

Maria and Jose received Habitat Tucson’s first totally accessible Women Build house which featured wide hallways, accessible countertops and other amenities designed to make Maria’s life easier.

In December 2000, the Carrillo’s moved into their Habitat home.

Jose is in college now and he serves as a youth member on Habitat Tucson’s Board of Directors.

Adapted from a story written by Lisa Giannini.