YORK, Pa. — Yudelka Aguero, also known as Judy, has had quite the journey to owning her own home. Her appreciation for things that many would take for granted, like the ability to paint her living room, having a refrigerator, or even a room for her daughter, is something that keeps her humble and able to share her story.
When Aguero was 18 years old, she became pregnant with her first child. Because of miscommunication with her family, Aguero had to leave the home she was staying in and figure out how she would support herself and a child.
“I ended up at a shelter,” said Aguero. “I had a Honda 1989 and that’s all I had, but I’m a strong believer in faith.”
Aguero spent her 19th birthday in the shelter and constantly changed living arrangements while pregnant.
While receiving help from close friends, she decided to find out what local resources would be available to her so she could house her child in a safe place.
“I just didn’t want her to be born in a shelter,” said Aguero.
Aguero found that York Habitat for Humanity had a home-ownership program that could give her the ability to not only put a roof over her head but to have a place she could call her own.
That plan didn’t come without difficulties, though. Aguero was denied eight times for the program.
“For somebody to fill out an application, it’s going to take them several hours to fill this out and gather all of their documents,” said Terri Abruzzese, office and family services manager with York Habitat for Humanity.
“I broke down and cried all these years, you say that I’m overqualified—now you say that I’m under, so which one is it gonna be?” said Aguero.
Aguero was denied based on how much or how little money she was making. York Habitat for Humanity worked with her throughout the process of eight years to make sure Aguero got the help she needed.
In that time of going through applications, Aguero had her baby, but she still did not have a permanent housing situation. But in June 2014, Aguero’s application was finally approved.
“I was like, 'this is unreal,'” said Aguero.
Within a year, York Habitat for Humanity helped Aguero allocate funds, balance her budget with budgeting classes and required Aguero to put in sweat equity hours. Aguero, along with several volunteers, put in the work to build her house from the ground up.
“Yes, it’s hard, but it will not only be life-changing to you but to your family for generations to come,” said Natasha Kukorlo, executive director of York Habitat for Humanity.
Aguero moved into her home in June of 2015.
“Dejanae (Aguero’s daughter) kept looking at her room saying, 'mommy, I’m gonna have a room,' and I think just that alone was priceless. I said 'mija, yes you are,'" said Agureo.
Five years into Judy’s home ownership, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected challenges to her life. She lost her job, and her financial stability was at risk. As a homeowner, Judy straddled the line between having too much equity in her home to receive assistance and not having enough income to sustain her family while paying the mortgage.
In her moment of need, York Habitat for Humanity provided critical support and resources. A dedicated Habitat for Humanity advocate offered Judy guidance on navigating the assistance system, securing aid and getting on track with her mortgage.
“Never give up, be persistent and patient, and trust the process,” said Aguero. “Even though we want things done right away, have patience. Trust me, you’ll get frustrated because I did. But I'm glad that I waited. I'm glad that I didn't give up in the whole process.”