We have all fallen on harsh times and some worse than others. However, the spirit of family and love bind us together so that whatever life throws in our path we overcome. This is evident in the family we met on a sunny morning in Jurupa Valley.

Ronda is a single grandmother who has custody of two of her grandchildren. Although it is a blessing for her to have her grandchildren so close, it is a struggle for them all because Ronda is on a limited income.  But the future looks bright. One of Ronda’s daughters just started working part time. Ronda has lived in her home for over 10 years and loves her community; however, this does not show through her home. The exterior of her home has been looking rather tattered. The mobile home park she lives in is located in the city of Jurupa Valley and recently Ronda was cited due to the condition of her home’s paint exterior. The paint on her home is faded and peeling. However, there is hope. Habitat for Humanity Riverside was informed of Ronda’s home’s condition and after reviewing her A Brush With Kindness application she qualified for a paint day.

Our volunteers, the Civil Engineering Club, came all the way from the city of San Bernardino. They arrived and were ready to work hard. Though they were only about two hands full of people on the site, the job was not a daunting one but a goal that could be accomplished. The paint spread upon the walls and the sun was high. The members of the club were all friends and concentrated on painting very neatly and patiently. Ronda came out a few times and marveled at the transformation of her home. She was amazed at the work of the volunteers had accomplished in such a short amount of time.

Once the home was finished, the home was unrecognizable. New color was on the walls and the faded paint and peeling were just a remnant of the past. Because of her new home’s appearance, the citation Ronda received will soon be dismissed once the park does their observation check. This project proves that with determination and hard work, family continues to be knit together and goals can be accomplished.