The Pagels celebrate with Luz and Jose’s family at their home dedication.
For years, Jack and Karen Pagel had dreamed of getting involved with Habitat for Humanity. It wasn’t until Karen approached her 80th birthday that she decided to mark the milestone by doing something meaningful – giving back.
At the same time, their longtime family friend, Denise McKee, had stepped into the role of Habitat’s Director of Events and Community Engagement, and everything seemed to align.
“Everything we have has already been a blessing from God — so you give it back,” Karen said. Guided by the belief that generosity multiplies, the Pagels chose to celebrate Karen’s birthday by sponsoring a Habitat home.
Karen Pagel celebrating her 80th birthday.
That home would eventually belong to husband and wife Luz and Jose, who first came to Habitat in 2025 while living in low-income housing.
Their HUD-Certified Housing Counselor Raisa Porro recalled their first meeting. “When they came to us, they said ‘We want this home because it’s going to help us. It’s going to change our lives.’”
Luz and Jose have four daughters and nine grandchildren. In 2023, they were still living in Ecuador when a close family member experienced a tragic accident and later passed away in 2024.
Luz and Jose became caregivers for their two young granddaughters. They began traveling back and forth to the United States and eventually secured jobs to support their family through a time of grief and transition.
“Sometimes we don’t understand the path, but God always leads us to places with purpose,” Luz and Jose’s daughter said at the home dedication in early February.
To become Habitat homeowners, Luz and Jose had to complete more than 20 hours of homeownership education courses, pay $2,000 in closing costs, and finish 300 hours of sweat equity.
“When Raisa called me to tell me we were selected, the first thing I did was kneel to thank God,” Luz said. It was in that moment that she knew this was God’s plan unfolding.
“My parents left their roots, their culture, and their traditions because of the unconditional love they have for their daughters and grandchildren who live here in the Unites States,” their daughter said. “Today I can see how God honors that sacrifice.”
Their family’s faith and love were felt deeply at their home dedication. Luz and Jose’s grandson spoke powerfully about what the home means to his family after all they have endured in recent years.
“To the volunteers, the builders, the organizers, and everyone who gave their time and effort, you didn’t just build a home,” their grandson said. “You built stability. You built opportunity. You built a place where memories will be made for years to come.”
Jack Pagel hands a symbolic key to Habitat Homeowners Luz and Jose.
“Because of you, we have a home where we can gather for holidays, share meals, laugh together, and spend time with our grandparents. Time is one of the greatest gifts we have and this home gives us more moments together, more smiles — and that is beyond measurable.”
The Pagels were particularly touched by how eloquently Luz and Jose’s young grandson expressed himself. “This is a legacy for his generation too,” Karen said. “This house will be in the family for as long as possible.”
Gratitude radiated from Habitat homeowners Luz and Jose and filled the entire celebration.
“We’re very happy and grateful to be part of the Habitat family,” Jose said. “Thank you to everybody here.” Luz also expressed her gratitude, specifically to her church pastors and the Pagels. “Thank you to these beautiful people who are also part of our family now,” she said.
Luz and Jose officially closed on their home in late February 2026. “We receive this with love, responsibility, and harmony,” Jose said. “We love you all and carry you in our hearts.”
For those considering giving back in a meaningful way, Karen’s advice is simple. “You can’t lose with something like this,” she said.
