The Chavez family once felt trapped in a cycle of debt, with little hope of breaking free. “When we first reached out to AHSTI, we were really struggling,” recalls Carlos Chavez. What they desperately needed was guidance—a lifeline they feared might never appear. However, that lifeline came through Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. (AHSTI), which not only serves as a builder and lender but also provides HUD-approved counseling. “Years ago, Gloria [Escamilla] was our counselor. From day one, she taught us how to save money and tackle our debts. Thanks to her support, we were finally able to buy a home,” Emily Chavez shared.

At first, Carlos and Emily only qualified for a home in San Juan, though their dream was to settle in McAllen. “We wanted to buy a house in McAllen, but given our situation, we thought it would take another two years. We were willing to wait because we believed we could make it happen, and they [AHSTI] showed us how,” Carlos explained. Determined to make it work, they partnered closely with their counselor and put the recommended strategies into action.

Through every step, the Chavez family felt the steady support of AHSTI. Emily expressed her gratitude, saying, “No matter the challenge, AHSTI was always there—by phone, email, or even in person on short notice. They welcomed us with open arms. I can’t recommend AHSTI enough; we’re so happy for our home and the way we were treated.”

With persistence and the right guidance, the Chavez family achieved their dream and closed on their new home in McAllen in 2022, proving that, with support, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.

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Congratulations to the Chavez family!