From Dream to Deed- The Ortiz -Villafuerte family purchases their first home!
Three years ago, the Ortiz-Villafuerte family took a leap of faith.
Jose and Maria hold the keys to their new home
After years of working in Washington County's blueberry harvest and wreath-making industries, the Ortiz-Villafuerte family decided to begin putting down roots in the community they had come to love. Like many working families across Downeast Maine, they faced a difficult reality: finding safe, affordable housing, and working toward the dream of becoming homeowners- a dream that felt increasingly challenging to reach.
This month, that dream has become reality.
The Ortiz-Villafuerte family has officially purchased their home in Cherryfield, becoming the first family to achieve homeownership through Mano en Mano's Welcome Home Downeast initiative.
"This is something we worked toward for a long time," Maria shared. "Owning our home gives our family stability and peace of mind. We know that this is our place, and that means everything."
Launched in partnership with Sunrise County Economic Council, Welcome Home Downeast was created to address one of Washington County's most pressing challenges: the shortage of affordable housing for the workers and families who help sustain the region's economy. The program renovates existing properties and provides families with a seasonal connection to the area the ability to rent the homes while receiving support and guidance toward the ultimate goal of purchasing the home.
The home before renovations, during and now!
When the Ortiz-Villafuerte family first joined the program, they were searching for housing close to family, schools, and employment opportunities. Traditional pathways to homeownership felt unattainable, but Welcome Home Downeast offered something different: a chance to build equity, receive guidance throughout the process, and work toward a long-term goal.
Over the last several years, the family has done exactly that.
The Ortiz-Villafuerte family are the first Welcome Home Downeast tenants to purchase their home. The organization is working with its other tenants to help them follow the same path.
Each successful home purchase strengthens families, stabilizes communities, and helps ensure that the people who live and work in Downeast Maine can continue building their futures here.
"We've always believed that everyone deserves the opportunity to put down roots and secure stable housing in the community they call home," said Mano en Manos Housing Director, Elan Gabel-Richards. "Seeing the Ortiz-Villafuerte family reach this milestone shows that with strong community support families can still meet their housing goals, and it inspires us to continue expanding opportunities for other families."
The Ortiz-Villafuerte family's home purchase is a milestone worth celebrating—not only for their family, but for the future of Welcome Home Downeast.
As the initiative's first successful transition from renter to homeowner, their story offers a roadmap for the families who will follow.
After years of returning to Washington County for seasonal work, the Ortiz-Villafuerte family no longer has to imagine a future here. They are home here.
