Osvaldo, Angelica, and their daughter outside of their Habitat home.
On Friday, May 30th, Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties proudly celebrated the home dedication of Osvaldo, a U.S. Army veteran, and his wife Angelica. We were joined by Habitat supporters, city officials, the home sponsors Beacon Point Associates and the Bonita Bay Veterans Council, along with Osvaldo and Angelica’s friends and family.
Osvaldo is one of many veterans who faced housing challenges after transitioning from military to civilian life. Before partnering with Habitat through their Affordable Homeownership Program, he shared a single bedroom with his wife and their two-year-old daughter in his parents’ house.
Due to the limited space, Osvaldo had to rent a storage unit to keep his family’s belongings.
While grateful for his parents’ support, Osvaldo longed to give his family a space of their own. “I just need for them to have their own room,” he said of his wife and daughter. “My daughter will grow up here.”
He explored various housing options, but finding something affordable was out of reach until he found Habitat.
For Osvaldo, service has always been a way of life. He is originally from Mexico, where he was inspired by his two older brothers, who served as soldiers.
“I came here when I was 19, and I learned English in the military,” Osvaldo said. After serving in the Army, he continued his commitment to public service and now works as a police officer with the Fort Myers Police Department.
“This is a big dream come true,” Osvaldo said at his dedication. “What we achieved today is something that I could never imagine before. I appreciate and thank you all.”
The dedication celebrated Osvaldo and Angelica’s journey and reminded us of the importance of community. Among those who helped build his home was Jeff Summerour, CEO of Beacon Point Associates and a Navy veteran, whose support helped launch Habitat’s first Veterans Build in 2023.
“I just appreciate being able to help support a little bit of what Habitat does,” Jeff said. “They do so much across the community, well beyond the veterans, but to have the veterans included is wonderful.”
Heather Turco, Habitat Board Member and Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Crime Prevention Specialist, echoed that sentiment during the celebration.
“Even though our symbols and badges may be different, it’s a brotherhood and sisterhood,” she said. “We appreciate you protecting your family, your community, and everything you do day in and day out.”
Osvaldo and Angelica closed on their home on June 24, 2025. “You can start from the bottom and one day you can end up doing the same thing I’m doing today,” he said.
Thank you to our Veterans Build sponsors Beacon Point Associates and the Bonita Bay Veterans Council for helping Osvaldo and Angelica achieve their dream of homeownership!
