Juanita Gonzales and her son Joe moved into their brand new, rebuilt home thanks to various organizations working in recovery efforts across the Coastal Bend. Wells Fargo Foundation, Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group (CBDRG), the Coastal Bend Food Bank, and Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) worked together to move this family back home.
Juanita Gonzales is 84 years old, and her 65-year-old son Joe lives with her. During Hurricane Harvey, she evacuated to Cotulla for two days. Upon returning found, there was no power and went to stay with relatives in San Antonio for two weeks. She returned and stayed with her daughter Cindy and her family since then. Mrs. Gonzales is ready to get back into her own home. The Mrs. Gonzales children tried to repair the damage to the home using the funds she received from FEMA, but it was too far gone to save. Mennonite Disaster Services – Storm Aid built her a two-bedroom house in partnership with CBDRG and many other organizations.
“I’m so happy and so grateful for all that everyone has done for us.” Juanita expressed. “It was very hard for me, I lost my son last month, but I thank God for all that he’s done for me. I’m very, very grateful.”
Wells Fargo Foundation’s generous donation helped fund several homes, including the Gonzales’. MDS cleared debris and demoed house then started the construction process. “Today we are really thrilled to dedicate this house to the Gonzales family,” Donna shared. “We couldn’t have done it without a lot of help from people throughout the United States.”
At the ceremony, the Gonzales’ were surrounded by family, friends, the pastor from the local church and representatives from CBDRG, Wells Fargo, and the Coastal Bend Food Bank.
The Gonzales’ home marks the 33rd home dedication ceremony by CBDRG and their partners. The Coastal Bend Food Bank stocked the pantry and the refrigerator for the family. CBDRG, in partnership with several other non-profits, have completed 154 major home reconstruction projects thus far and is continuing to work on another 52 on-going projects. All of this is possible thanks to the generous donors and hardworking volunteers. CBDRG continues to seek volunteers who range from skilled laborers to general help. To learn more about the CBDRG and to fill open volunteer positions, visit www.coastalbenddrg.org/volunteer.