Margarita lives in the El Paraíso community, in the city of Tepecoyo in El Salvador, with her partner Rufino and her daughter Nayeli.
She takes care of the household and runs a small business selling fruits and vegetables. Both Margarita and Rufino have health issues that limit their ability to work, which puts a strain on the household’s finances. Their daughter, Nayeli, works at a clothing store, and their income from that covers the household expenses.
When they moved to the neighborhood where they currently live, the family relied on the help of their neighbors to build their house, which was constructed mainly from weak, deteriorated wood. The condition of the house affects this family’s daily life, especially on rainy days. Margarita says that storms turn into nightmares because the yard floods and water leaks in from all over the techo.
They say they dreamed of a more suitable home where they could sleep more peacefully and spend rainy nights without worry.
Since the house was built in partnership with TECHO Salvador, Margarita’s family has had a place to live that protects them from storms and provides a more conducive environment for the family’s recovery. This is proof that access to adequate housing is essential not only for physical protection but also for improving well-being and rest.
Margarita's story serves as a reminder of how important it is to keep working to ensure that everyone has access to a safe and dignified home.