Dawn Thomas Team Funds Construction of Two Homes for In-Need Guatemalan Families

The Dawn Thomas Team has been participating in the Home For A Home project since 2014 and to date, has funded the construction of two homes for in-need families in Antigua, Guatemala.

Home For A Home is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded by Nick Cooper, who, during high school, travelled to Mexico’s underprivileged boroughs every spring to help build homes. After starting his real estate career, Nick conceived the idea of using sustainable revenue from real estate sales to support construction of homes in the poorest areas of Mexico and Guatemala. With the innovative know-how of fellow co-founders Chris Cheng and Joey Schultz, this concept became a reality.

Using a real estate agent or mortgage broker affiliated with Home For A Home doesn’t cost the buyer anything additional as partnering representatives generously donate a portion of their professional fees, allowing the organization to build safe, secure dwellings.

Costing $2,200 apiece to build, each reinforced concrete block home is 13’ X 19’, has a cement floor, metal roof, a lockable metal door and metal framed, glass windows. Most families have never owned a home let alone had a house with a door that locks. Each shelter is finished with stucco and painted inside and out with colors chosen by the new owners. Once the homes are completed, there is a ceremony in which each family receives the keys to their new house and a plaque explaining who provided their new, safe dwelling.

Dawn’s contributions have funded two homes that were given to deserving families residing in the Guatemalan highlands. The plaques they received read:

Bendito Sea Este Hogar (Bless this home). This home was built in partnership with Home For A Home. With Love from The Dawn Thomas Team, Silicon Valley, California USA February 2015

Home #1: The Lopez Hernandez Family

The Lopez Hernandez family, agricultural worker, Estanislao, his wife, Betzabé and their son, Abner are now homeowners. Thanks to Dawn’s generous gift, they are better able to send their son to school.

Home #2: Maria Carolina

Maria Carolina unexpectedly lost her husband a few months back. Now a single parent, she earns money to support her children by doing housework and making tortillas. Her new home will provide her and her young children sanctuary and security during this time of uncertainty and grief.

The Homes Funded by the Dawn Thomas Team

“I firmly believe in giving back to those in need. My primary focus is helping underprivileged children and their families. It is an amazing thing to contribute to Home For A Home and I’m thrilled we were able to fund safe, secure houses for Maria Carolina and the Lopez Hernandez family,” states Dawn Thomas, top producing broker at Compass.

Information on the Home For A Home mission as well as how to participate as a partner or home buyer can be found on their website at: www.homeforahome.org