Building a future

Family of seven to reside at abode

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The sound of hammers and electric saws filled the air as a Habitat for Humanity International project went up near the CCSN campus on West Charleston Boulevard. The financial supporter of the house is Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

The four-bedroom home will eventually belong to Angel and Geiselle Ayala, who have five children, ages 5 to 12. Angel Ayala is a laborer with Local 872. His wife takes care of the children while pursuing a dual degree at CCSN. She plans to earn a business degree at UNLV and wants to become a lawyer.

Right now, both are spending as much free time as they can on the project, they said.

The house sits on land that formerly was used for a public pool.

Drainage concerns meant weeks of work to bring the lot up to current codes. It also meant the use of diplomacy, as Habitat needed to tear down the block walls of all bordering properties, make the necessary changes and replace the walls at no expense to the neighbors.

"It caused some delays, but eventually it all worked out," said Lent Larson, regional manager for Thrivent Financial.

A supporter of Habitat, Thrivent recently made a four-year, $105-million commitment to construct up to 500 homes across the country each year. Its 3 million members volunteer their time on projects, as well.

Habitat projects can take up to eight months to finish. The Ayalas are putting in 250 hours of work apiece.

"The kids put in hours through their grades," said Geiselle Ayala. "An A is an hour, a B is 30 minutes. So we tell them, 'It's really important to get good grades.' "

If privately built, the house would probably cost about $225,000. Habitat was able to do it for roughly $120,000. The Ayalas will repay the cost with a zero-interest mortgage, calculated to fit their income level.

They said they're glad it's not a government handout and that it doesn't take on the appearance of a project home. The house is a model by Astoria Homes.

The next Habitat project will begin in March, when a seven-lot parcel will be developed. It will be on Gregory Street in west Las Vegas near Lake Mead Boulevard and Losee Road.

In all, Habitat plans to start 22 homes in the valley this year. Thrivent will likely sponsor one or two, Larson said.

Guy Amato, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas, said he works with four entities in the valley -- Las Vegas, Clark County, North Las Vegas and Henderson.

"Each has their own separate dance you have to do," he said, regarding permits and regulations.

The Ayalas will be doing a dance of their own when they're handed the keys to their home later this year, they said.

"I hope it'll be ready by summer," said Geiselle Ayala. "We'll have our first Thanksgiving in it, our first Christmas. It'll be wonderful. It's literally an answer to our prayers."