LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – When the Valley Fire ripped through portions of Middletown in 2015, it destroyed one of the largest apartment complexes in Lake County.

The Rodriguez-Barajas family, attending a family baptism that day, received the news about the fire. They attempted to return home but when the police would not allow them through, the family was forced to return to their in-laws home to anxiously await the outcome of the fire.

Then the news came. Everything they had was lost. Maria Rodriguez-Barajas was so upset it affected her third pregnancy and she was admitted to the hospital.

After a 2-week stay with the in-laws, the family found temporary refuge at Konocti Harbor until they were able to relocate to a small, two-bedroom apartment and start their lives again.

But their living quarters were tight, with three children forced to share a single bedroom in an apartment woefully too small for their needs.

Facing a fourth pregnancy and eviction threats because of their overcrowded housing situation, Hector and Maria Rodriguez-Barajas turned to Habitat for Humanity Lake County for help.

Then came the Clayton fire and the family’s application was destroyed with the loss of Habitat’s Lower Lake office.

Unaware of that loss, the family waited to hear if they were approved for the Homeownership program, only to learn, at last, that they would need to begin the application process all over again.

They persevered, resubmitting their application documentation, and working hard to meet the necessary program requirements.

Through other fires, construction issues, complications with their fourth pregnancy, difficult weather and the recent pandemic situation, the family stayed true to their vision of owning their own home.

On June 1, their efforts were finally rewarded with the keys to their new Lower Lake home, where the children no longer have to share a bedroom and the family has room to grow and thrive.

“We have never been happier,” said Maria Rodriguez-Barajas, her gratitude evident in her eyes. “And the kids have never been happier. They now go outside to play every day and I do not have to be scared of being kicked out of my home. We won’t have to worry again. We are so grateful.”

If you or someone you know is interested in the possibility of homeownership, please contact the Habitat for Humanity office at 707-994-1100 for more information or to receive a preapplication.