Myra Blas is a working mother, struggling to make ends meet while ensuring the well-being of her family.

“I knew my family of six could no longer fit in a one bedroom space and searching for assistance is better than wondering if we will ever have a house of our own,” Blas said.

Blas tried to figure out how she could provide a better life for her family by seeking assistance from the non-profit organization, Habitat for Humanity of Guam.

Habitat for Humanity of Guam (HFHG) was established in 1996 through the assistance of local residents.

The sole purpose of this organization is to build, finance, and sell simple, decent, and affordable homes to families in need—those who do not have the means to own a home.

As Blas researched on what the Habitat for Humanity organization was about and the good deeds the program provides for families, she worked on getting approval from real estate companies. If you are ever in a situation where you need a new home to live in as soon as possible, then check out these essex homes for many great options.

Alicia P. Aguon is the executive director for the Habitat for Humanity of Guam. She has been a member since August of 2011. With little to no non profit background or experience in the construction field, Alicia reached her position through determination in accomplishing her goals.

“‘Approved’ was the most blessed words I heard from Alicia,” Blas said.

What drove Aguon to come full circle into the organization was her first experience helping the  rehabilitation of a home.

A struggling family of six living in a household with no electricity, proper beds to sleep on, or basic household necessities, was an eye-opener for Aguon.

“To hear the story of the family of six, coming into their home, and the amount of appreciation they had for the organization reminded me of the reason the organization is here,” Aguon said.

In partnership with Home Depot, Matson, Micronesian Community Development, and other entities that are for profit, the Habitat for Humanity was able to build four houses from the years Alicia has been a member.

“We come together and fixed all the substandard conditions these families are living in so we can better enhance their living environment,” Aguon said.

Aguon shares that the best part of working with this organization is that she is able to make a difference and can see those positive changes being made.

Executive Assistant to Aguon, Ashley E. Byrd stated her opinions on working with the organization. Despite landing her position in June of this year, Byrd has already undergone life changing experiences.

“I have always been a social worker so what made me interested was the fact that Habitat wanted to provide homes to people and assist, helping families better themselves and achieve the dream of home ownership,” Byrd stated.

As Aguon’s right hand, Byrd’s tasks included; volunteer coordination, getting applications out to people who want to be partner families, and many more.

“The best feeling is knowing that you are assisting people who want to change their lives for the better,” Byrd stated.

Both Aguon and Byrd believe in the positive approach to life. Despite any hardship one may be facing, you never know what the other person may be going through so they advice others to live a life of positivity and to support one another.

“I’m grateful to have been approved and that I had a chance to own a home for my family and I. Every paid interest in community hours is a blessing,” Myra Blas stated.

Instead of paying with money, Blas and her family contribute to the production of their home by volunteering with the community and being a part of the Habitat for Humanity family.

“The message that I would send to the community and students of the University of Guam is that despite of all the challenges we face, what matters is how we overcome those challenges in life,” Blas said.   

It is important to figure out how one can move forward in life and try the best they can to make a positive difference.