House #17: A different story; a different life

House #17: David & Mariana Montoya

House #17: David & Mariana Montoya

“It’s a blessing.”

Those are the words David Montoya said over and over when asked how being in a new home changed his life. David, his wife Mariana, and their 4-year-old daughter have lived in House #17 for a year and a half.

Before moving in, the Montoyas lived in a small family rental. Owning versus renting has made positive impact on their life.

“There are a lot of good things about it,” David said. “The payments we make are accessible. You don’t have to deal with paying rent, or living with other people. We went through that. Now that we own our own house it’s a different story; it’s a different life.”

David has worked with a large retailer since 2015, and Mariana cleans houses for select clients.

“The people were very kind to us. It has been a blessing for us to own this house.”

David hopes the blessing his family has experienced will spread to others helping Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fredericksburg.

“I would encourage people to donate and help the organization,” he said. “They are going to see the faces of the people when they get a house, it is a huge thing–you are happy forever. Because it is also a blessing for them because they are going to be helping others.”