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For years, Silvia and Gustavo Sanchez have renovated their University City home to meet the needs of their daughter Jessica, who has spina bifida.
But Gustavo couldn’t find work in the recession, and with constant medical bills, the family faces foreclosure in two weeks.
On Monday, the Sanchez family invited friends, neighbors and the media into their home to raise awareness about their plight – an all-too-familiar story in the current economy.
Pat McCoy, director of Action NC, helped publicize the barbecue at the Sanchez’s house. He said he hopes the energy from the DNC helps the Sanchez family find a solution.
“We knew that foreclosures would be a large topic at the protest and during this week in general,” McCoy said.
The Sanchez family has lived in the home off Rutger Street for more than a decade, upgrading it along the way.
The countertops are lower so 17-year-old Jessica can reach them. They’ve replaced the carpet with tile floors so Jessica can get around easier. The hallways are wider to accommodate her wheelchair. And the front porch has a ramp to the driveway.
“This house is adapted for Jessica. Everything is practical for her,” said Maria Urena, a friend of the family, in Spanish.
The family stopped paying its mortgage late last year when Gustavo could no longer find work as a carpenter.
“It’s a shame when someone has to choose between paying the rent and paying for medicines,” said Luis Rodriguez, a community organizer with Action NC. “That’s a struggle that no one should have to go through.”
Now the family must pay Bank of America $20,000 by Sept. 14 to avoid foreclosure.
Silvia said she hopes Monday’s barbecue will help the family reach their goal.
“We’re trusting in God that he will help us,” said Silvia Sanchez.
The family said they’re using Monday’s barbecue to kick off a fundraising campaign that will include car washes, meals and yard sales.
“Silvia and her family are fighters and they will continue to fight for their home,” said Rodriguez.
