GLENDALE, AZ — A Glendale single mother of five is now a homeowner thanks to Habitat for Humanity.
Tuesday, she received an even bigger surprise--the house was fully furnished and stocked with presents thanks to other charities and sponsors.
Sabrina Sanchez said to own a home is a dream come true. "This is absolutely a goal in my life that I've always wanted to accomplish and a dream for me and my kids. They have a home now," she said.
She has five kids younger than nine years old. She works as much as she can in a factory to provide for them. "I just take care of my family, that's mostly important for me," she said.
Her oldest son Jaden was diagnosed with melanoma when he was two years old. Sanchez said he's been her inspiration to keep going and even though it's been tough, she's stayed positive.
"Every day is different, I just go day by day. What's going to happen today because we're not promised tomorrow," she said.
Habitat for Humanity built the Glendale home. Warrick Dunn Charities partnered with Aaron's and other sponsors to fill the house with furniture, TVs, gadgets, and Christmas presents for the kids.
The former NFL running back also gave Sanchez a $5,000 down payment. It's part of the charity'sHomes for the Holidays program that provides furnishings and down payments for single-parent families all over the country.
"When they first walk through the door, for me--that's a priceless moment, to see how emotional she got--how it's just genuine," said Dunn.
"I'm still shocked. I just can't believe--I was expecting to move the little bit of things that we had, and I was already trying to figure out how I'm going to get bunk beds for my kids and things like that. So it's a blessing that's for sure," said Sanchez.
Sanchez said her current home is too small and in an unsafe neighborhood.
"They didn't have furniture where we live, just had their beds. My son had his bunk bed that was already broken--the metal was falling apart. Both of my daughters were sharing a twin-sized bed, so they're excited," she said. "I just have a mattress. I don't have a bedroom set, but now I do so I'm grateful for that."
"I'm not sure what my favorite part is, I love the whole house," said her daughter Elliana.
Learn more about volunteering or donating to Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona.
Learn more about Warrick Dunn Charities.
