Poteet families receive new homes

Lifestyles Editor


 

 

“It’s a beautiful house, Mom! You’ve got a beautiful house,” said Diana Robles to her mother, Juanita Guerra.

Juanita and her husband of 51 years, Jake Guerra, were among those Poteet residents receiving new homes through the HOME Program. The Guerras were among those presented with a set of keys by Poteet Mayor Richard Tuttle on Thursday, Jan. 28. Other recipients were Juanita and Tommy Garza and Louis Leal.

At the Guerra’s new home, Robles (one of six children) guided her mom by the hand, as Juanita has been blind for the last three-four years. They walked slowly throughout the living room, the bedrooms, bathrooms, closets and the hallway.

The Guerras and their daughter later gathered together in the kitchen, amazed by their new appliances: a microwave and stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer and dryer- all electrical and energy efficient. They are also equipped with smoke alarms and ceiling fans.

The homes have three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Also joining the families for this special day were Jay Francis, HOME Project Manager at Grant- Works and Rick Harrell, Superintendent of Malouf Builders, the company that constructed the homes. Construction on the three homes began at the same time. Francis and Harrell said construction usually takes 60 days, but this time it took 90, since they encountered some bad weather and the holidays.

The joy from Tommy and Juanita Garza was also apparent. Their daughter and grandchildren stopped by for the grand tour of their new 1,104 square ft. home.

Mayor Tuttle explained that the HOME Program provides funds to assist homeowners to repair or replace their current home with a new home on the same lot. The program is made possible through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. There are some guidelines that applicants must meet to be eligible, such as being in a lowerincome bracket.

“We had approximately 40 applicants and we still have some out there to build. “For our little town,” said Tuttle, “it is one of the greatest things we have. Other towns were chosen, too. Thank God they are doing this in Poteet.”

Resident Louis Leal was the last to receive keys to his new home. His daughter Monica and sister Helen Garcia were also on hand for the presentation.

“I really do appreciate it. This program is a great help for the community. It is way more than I expected. I love it,” said Leal.







 

 

Poteet Mayor Richard Tuttle presents keys to Mr. and Mrs. Guerra. Shown left to right are: Mayor Tuttle, Juanita Guerra, Diana Robles and Jake Guerra, in front of the new home.

Poteet Mayor Richard Tuttle presents keys to Mr. and Mrs. Guerra. Shown left to right are: Mayor Tuttle, Juanita Guerra, Diana Robles and Jake Guerra, in front of the new home.

Rick Harrell of Malouf Construction meets with Louis Leal, as his daughter Monica looks on.

Rick Harrell of Malouf Construction meets with Louis Leal, as his daughter Monica looks on.

Jay Francis, with Louis Leal and his daughter Monica.

Jay Francis, with Louis Leal and his daughter Monica.

Jay Francis explains the thermostat functions to Louis Leal.

Jay Francis explains the thermostat functions to Louis Leal.

Tommy Garza visits with his grandchildren.

Tommy Garza visits with his grandchildren.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *