20th Anniversary Build: Meet homeowners whose dreams are coming true
20th Anniversary Build: Meet homeowners whose dreams are coming true
In La Florida, Peru, The Fuller Center for Housing celebrated its 20th Anniversary Build — a week filled with faith, sweat, joy, and connection. Volunteers from across the United States, Canada, and Peru joined with local families to construct new homes and lasting relationships.
Each family has its own story — a story of perseverance, gratitude, and hope. These are some of the 20 homeowners whose lives are being transformed through this incredible effort — with 24 more families coming later to this beautiful community.
Familia Huachos — House No. 8
Camilo and Angelina, parents of three children ages 9, 21, and 31, are the homeowner partners for House No. 8, generously sponsored by Mike Goodloe and Lee Zwanziger.
“We’ve been here for 21 years, and this has always been a dream,” Camilo said. “We do a lot of mission work and have been dreaming of having our own home, but we never thought we could before The Fuller Center came along. It’s beautiful to watch all these volunteers with their energy, building these houses brick by brick. It’s truly something to behold.”
Familia Sucari — House No. 10
Nancy, known for her bright smile on the worksite, is the proud homeowner partner for House No. 10, made possible through the support of Ryan Iafigliola, Fuller Center Vice President of International Programs, and those who backed his efforts with the Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure.
Nancy will share her new home with her 104-year-old father. “He says, ‘One of these days, I’m going, but I’m happy for you to have this decent place to live,’” she said. “And I thank all the volunteers for their help, their unconditional help.”
She also looks forward to having a beautiful, safe home for her son’s family — and for her grandchildren to visit.
Familia Gutiérrez — House No. 20
Carlos and Lizeth, parents of four children, are the homeowner partners for House No. 20, generously sponsored by Bill and Carolyn Silzle.
Their new home is especially meaningful because their 16-year-old son uses a wheelchair, and their current rented home sits on the second floor.
“It wouldn’t be possible for us to do this without The Fuller Center,” Carlos said. “It’s going to be good for the kids. And our oldest son needs a special place, and this is going to be a special place that we otherwise could not have had. We’re very thankful, and we thank God. More importantly, we’re going to work on this house and learn how to do this and then help others because you’re blessed by giving back.”
“I want to thank The Fuller Center for teaching us how to give back,” Lizeth added. “You’re teaching us how to pay it forward.”
Familia Soncco — House No. 2
Dayana and Yoshiro, parents of an 8-year-old daughter, are the homeowner partners for House No. 2, generously sponsored by Jackie Goodman.
“This is a new beginning as a couple and as a family,” Dayana said. “From the beginning, we’ve been working with volunteers, and they’ve been a great help.” “We can’t thank them enough for helping our family,” Yoshiro added.
Familia Rondón — House No. 17
Arturo and Evelyng, parents of four children ages 20, 17, 9, and 6, are the homeowner partners for House No. 17, generously sponsored through tithes from The Fuller Centers of Madagascar and Puerto Rico.
“We’ve been living in my mother-in-law’s house, and I’ve always prayed for something like this for my children,” Arturo said. “The first group of volunteers we worked with on this home was a large group of Mennonites from Canada, and I couldn’t keep from crying. We are just so happy to be so blessed. And this week’s volunteers are excellent and help a lot!”
Familia Vega — House No. 14
Sara and Jesus, parents of 4-year-old Matthew, are the homeowner partners for House No. 14, generously sponsored by Bob Abel and Scott Muchow.
“We are very excited,” Sara said. “It’s going to be very good for Matthew and allow him to grow. And we’re safe here because we have a wall. I’ve been coming since March when we started building the houses, and the volunteers have been a blessing.”
Familia Owen — House No. 22
Marcello and Cynthia, parents of two children ages 9 and 4 months, are the homeowner partners for House No. 22, generously sponsored by Laura Miehls.
The family currently lives with Marcello’s parents in a single room, so this new home represents the comfort and space they’ve long dreamed of.
“This will be much more comfortable and bigger, and it’s something that we’ve dreamed of for a long time,” Marcello said. “We may have a little trouble communicating with the volunteers sometimes, but they’re very friendly and work very hard.”
Familia Sanchez — House No. 19
Junior and Christina, parents of a nearly 2-year-old son, are the homeowner partners for House No. 19, generously sponsored by The Fuller Center for Housing of Utah County.
The family currently lives with Junior’s mother, making this new home a much-needed step toward independence and stability.
“It’s going to make a huge difference having a home of our own,” Junior said. “It will be much more comfortable. The volunteers have been wonderful. I had no idea there were so many people of good faith.”
Familia Salcedo — House No. 3
Larry and Teresa will raise their four daughters in House No. 3, generously sponsored by Hub and Joan Erickson.
“This is the essential piece for our family,” Larry said. “I am so thankful for all of the volunteers and give thanks to God. Our girls can grow up here and have a better future, so it’s a true blessing.”
Familia Aliaga — House No. 18
Andy and Heydi, parents of three children, are the homeowner partners for House No. 18, generously sponsored by Fuller Center covenant partners in Silver Valley, ID; Rabun County, GA; Catoosa, GA; Greater New York City; and Carroll County, VA.
“It’s a dream come true,” Andy said. “It’s hard to buy a house for us in Peru, so we are very grateful to The Fuller Center.”
“The volunteers have been impressive as they work all day long,” Heydi added. “They come from far away and work hard to get the job done. And they’re willing to come and help. We don’t have any other family here, so the volunteers have become our family.”
Familia Elguera — House No. 1
Duberly and Rosario, parents of a young son, are the homeowner partners for House No. 1, generously sponsored by Doug Miller.
Known on the worksite for his determination, hard work, and quick brick laying, Duberly inspired everyone who worked alongside him.
“This will be not only our home at last but also a place for us as a family,” Duberly said. “It’s a blessing to have all of these people come to help us move this dream along.”
Familia Artica (Brenda) — House No. 12
Brenda, mother of Raphaela and expecting a new baby, is the homeowner partner for House No. 12, generously sponsored by our Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders.
Brenda served as one of the primary cooks for the 20th Anniversary Build, helping to feed and encourage volunteers throughout the week.
“It is emotional to have a place for my children,” said Brenda, who knows her soon-to-be next-door neighbor well — her sister, Brizeth, who will move into House No. 13. “You can see the results when a lot of people come together to work. I appreciate everyone for teaching us how to work as a team. This is going to be a wonderful community.”
Familia Artica (Brizeth) — House No. 13
Brizeth, mother of a 2-year-old, is the homeowner partner for House No. 13, generously sponsored by Bruce Steege and Valentino Ianetti.
She currently lives in a rented house where she’s often been told she must move, making this new home a true blessing — and even more special because her sister Brenda will be living next door.
“I’ve been living in a rented house, and they keep telling me that I have to move,” said Brizeth. “It will be nice to have such a lovely place, and this community has truly been coming together as a team.”
Each family’s story is unique, yet all are bound by a shared spirit of faith, gratitude, and perseverance. Together, these homeowner partners and the volunteers who joined them have built far more than houses — they have built community, hope, and the kind of love that crosses every border.
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