HOUSTON – A very special event was held Tuesday for the Gomez family, the community and KPRC. The mother and her two children officially got the keys to their new home -- one they helped build along with countless volunteers.
The project started in January as KPRC 2 employees began hammering away at the walls of the station’s fourth Habitat home.
The three-bedroom, two-bath home was officially dedicated Tuesday morning, marking a dream come true for Rosalinda Gomez and her two children. Five KPRC anchors were there to help welcome the family to its new home.
VIDEO: Habitat for Humanity ceremony
Last week, it was revealed that Gomez, a medical assistant and mother of a 4-year-old boy and 3-year-old girl, would move into the house located in the Harrel Park neighborhood of northeast Houston.
“I want to thank everyone -- it's a true blessing this house -- for supporting (us); and (thanks to) all the sponsors and the volunteers, from my family and my kids,” Gomez said.
PHOTOS: Habitat home under construction
Gomez has been living in a one-bedroom garage apartment with frequent plumbing issues. Her son had heart surgery when he was younger, so she has been eager to get him into a healthier environment.
Gomez juggled her family and job all while meeting the requirements to earn the home.
The children's bedrooms and the living room are furnished by star furniture -- a company who also helped build the home.
KPRC 2 has partnered with Star Furniture for all four years of the station’s Habitat for Humanity projects.
The Gomez family also got a year of free electricity for its new home from Frontier Utilities.
“We are delighted for this to be giving back to the community. We got so much more out of this than we put into it,” Jay Hellums, CEO of Frontier Utilities, said.
“It truly is a rewarding experience to make a family's dream come true of home ownership,” Meredith Hooper, Carpet Giant marketing director, said.
Kind employees from village plumbing also helped build the home.
“I can say is glory to God, all blessings come from him. It's because of him that we are moving in and everyone who has participated. I'm just really thankful,” Gomez said.