Consu arrived on Isla del Oasis, in Colombia, with her young daughters and a heart full of dreams. On a corner in her neighborhood, she set up a small stand selling crepes and arepas, working from early in the morning to bring home what she needed. Although her business helped her get by, the money was never enough to build something more solid, like a decent home. Even so, she kept hope alive inside her.
One ordinary day, while tending her stand, an unexpected conversation changed her perspective. Someone told her about a project that helped families like hers build homes—something that seemed as distant as it was improbable to her. At first, she listened cautiously. She thought of all the families living in similar or worse conditions, and she couldn’t help but wonder why anyone would choose her to give her a helping hand.
However, little by little, that idea began to take shape when she learned about TECHO. Despite her doubts, she decided to give it a try. Her life had always been a struggle, but this time she wasn’t alone. She began to meet people who worked on the volunteer team and who seemed genuinely interested in helping. That support—that belief that something better was possible—ignited a spark in Consuelo that led her to daydream about a home for her daughters.
That dream came true. Together with a group of people who worked alongside her, Consuelo built the home she had longed for so much. On moving day, one of her daughters hugged her excitedly and said, “Mom, we have to go home now.” That phrase stayed with her forever. As she stepped into her new home, she felt the weight of uncertainty give way to gratitude and joy.
Consuelo’s life changed from that moment on, but she didn’t stop there. As time went on, she decided to give back a little of what she had received. She began to get more involved, to learn, and to look for ways to continue contributing. Today, she gets up early every morning to go to her job as an administrative assistant at TECHO , where she supports projects that, like hers, seek to transform lives. She has gone back to school, convinced that knowledge is a tool for contributing more to her community and her country.
In the hallways of her office, they affectionately call her “Mi Consu.” She’s the longest-serving member of the team, known for her boundless energy and constant smile. After lunch, she always offers a “tintico”—a gesture that reflects her warmth and approachability. To those who know her, Consuelo is not just a colleague; she is a symbol of perseverance, of love for her people, and of how dreams, when pursued as a team, become realities.
Today, Consuelo cannot imagine her life without that decision to trust, without that first building block that marked a turning point. Her story is proof that change begins in the most unexpected places, and that when hope is combined with collective effort, the impact can be profound and lasting.