Home for the Holidays Takes on a Whole New Meaning for 2 Families
For two families in Lynwood, Christmas was a day early. Wearing a carpenter’s tool holster, Santa Claus arrived Saturday, giving the Willses and Salazars keys to their new homes.
Built in a week by volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, the Louise Street houses are among eight constructed in the last several years by the Los Angeles affiliate of the nonprofit organization associated with former President Jimmy Carter.
Friends and relatives trooped through the houses for a quick look while the Willses--Charles Anthony and Sally and their three children--and the Salazars--Oscar and Maria, their three children and two grandchildren--beamed, hugged and thanked the people who had made it possible.
The Salazars, who had lived in an earthquake-damaged rental house in South-Central Los Angeles, had applied to the program this fall and still seemed stunned at their good fortune.
Maria Salazar said through a translator that she couldn’t believe people would actually volunteer to help build a house for her family.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
