Family chosen for this year’s Apostle Build

The Martinez family will move into their new house later this summer. From left are Audrina, John, Amanda, and Elijah. (Courtesy photo)

A family has been chosen for Apostle Build 2023.

The recipient is Amanda Martinez, a teacher and a cook at KinderCare, where she has been working for 15 years.

Amanda has three children: Elijah, Audrina, and John. They currently live in a small, two-bedroom, duplex where Amanda sleeps on the couch. She says the house is too small for family activities and the area has safety issues.

Amanda said she wants her children to have their own rooms, to be able to invite their friends for sleepovers and other activities, and a yard.

A blessing for a single mom

“As a single mom this opportunity is a blessing,” she said. “My children will feel confident and secure in a home of their own.”

The house is not free. Amanda will complete 250 hours of “sweat equity” before she may buy the house with an affordable mortgage. She’ll also complete 40 hours of financial literacy and home maintenance courses.

Apostle Build 2023 is a project of the Diocese of Wichita and Wichita Habitat for Humanity.

Volunteer to start the summer

Bonnie Toombs, the director of the Office of Respect Life and Social Justice, said the Apostle Build is a great way to start the summer. “As St Teresa of Calcutta said, ‘It is not how much we give, but how much love we put into the giving.’ What a beautiful way to come together in service, prayer, and fellowship to help a family build strength and stability.”

She said the event is a way to help build a house for a family and provide a foundation for their future.

“Habitat Wichita does such a wonderful job helping with on-the-job training for volunteers, no special skills are required. Those with special skills are appreciated too. Please consider coming out to volunteer or helping cover the cost of the home with a financial gift,” she said.

Toombs asked that the faithful keep the Apostle Build family, Amanda, and her children in their prayers throughout this process. Learn ways to help: https://catholicdioceseofwichita.org/ministries/apostle-build/.