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Bridgeport Family Moves Into New Home, Thanks To Habitat For Humanity

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — In a time when money can be tight and it can hard to find a place to live, sometimes you just need to have a little faith. It worked for Xiomara Franco of Bridgeport and her kids.  

Bridgeport resident Xiomara Franco and her kids got a new home thanks to Habitat for Humanity.

Bridgeport resident Xiomara Franco and her kids got a new home thanks to Habitat for Humanity.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
Bridgeport resident Xiomara Franco and her kids got a new home thanks to Habitat for Humanity.

Bridgeport resident Xiomara Franco and her kids got a new home thanks to Habitat for Humanity.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
The brand new home belonging to the Franco family on Sheridan Street in Bridgeport.

The brand new home belonging to the Franco family on Sheridan Street in Bridgeport.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
Volunteers put together the kitchen for the Franco family.

Volunteers put together the kitchen for the Franco family.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
One of the bedrooms in the house.

One of the bedrooms in the house.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone
The finished bathroom in the house.

The finished bathroom in the house.

Photo Credit: Nicole Zappone

Franco and her kids have been through some rough times, especially when their previous apartment became a health and safety hazard after the bathroom ceiling caved in. 

But on Saturday, Nov.5, the family's new home was dedicated. It was built thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County. Several volunteers from Habitat CFC spent the last few months working on the new home at 67 Sheridan St.

"This home has changed my whole life," Franco says. "I feel so blessed to have this new home with my son."

Along with volunteers from the Habitat for Humanity, Franco and her kids helped built the home, which they move into this weekend. Over 500 hours of sweat equity went into building their dream home. 

"I have no family in Bridgeport, so the volunteers and I bonded and they have become my family," Franco says.

Her kids are excited to move into their new home, which is complete not just on the outside but also on inside. An elegant kitchen is set up with a gas stove, beautiful countertops, and dark cabinets.

There is also a spacious dining room, half-bath and living room on the first floor. The second floor includes a hallway closet, full bath, and three generous-size bedrooms with plenty of closet space for all. There is also a basement. 

"Today is a combination of what the family has been working toward. It's a combination of organizing this beautiful home," says volunteer Iris Cordero Taylor.

On Saturday, the family and volunteers broke bread and shared homemade food among the many guests who came by to wish Franco good luck. 

"I was in tears earlier, I am so excited," Franco says.

The goal of Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County is to build homes in the community "and to improve lives by partnering with low-income families, community volunteers, and donors to build decent and affordable homes in stable and welcoming neighborhoods."

Habitat CFC, headquartered in Bridgeport, has built over 200 homes and helped over 1,000 family members since it was established in 1985. 

For more information on the nonprofit, visit the website here.

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