Vonne Morales, homeowner

I remember driving the kids by the home as it was being built. As we came by on weekends, none of the student builders were present, but each time the house would be further along. The kids used to say “God’s making the house” as they watched it get bigger each week.

We used to live in a two-bedroom apartment with bikes and toys all crammed in. We wanted to have more space and a strong school system. We wanted stability in owning a home and yet at the same time we didn’t want to get ourselves overextended.

When we were selected for this ACT house, we were all so excited. We love living here; we have great neighbors and a great yard with a basketball court that we built. When I host my extended family’s Sunday dinners—sometimes we have over 30 people—there are people inside, on the deck, in the yard—it’s wonderful!

I love sharing foods that I grew up with. I make traditional Puerto Rican pasitelllitos and serve them with hot sauce whether for a birthday party or a neighborhood gathering.  At the holidays I make my mom’s coquito—it’s like a Puerto Rican egg nog and it’s delicious. 

This is our forever home!