For more than 24 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving my clients and the Midland, Texas community as a local Realtor. During that time, I’ve helped countless families buy and sell homes, but every once in a while, life puts someone in your path for a reason.

A few days ago, I received a call from a woman named Elsa Márquez. She told me she had a small lot she was thinking about selling and asked if I could come take a look. Elsa isn’t my client, and before that day, I had never met her. Somehow, she had held onto one of my Realtor cards for years.

When I arrived at her property, I wasn’t prepared for what I was about to see.

Instead of finding a home, I found Elsa living in a small shed with no electricity, no running water, no gas, and none of the basic necessities that most of us take for granted. In the middle of a Texas summer, where temperatures climb above 100 degrees, no one should have to live in those conditions—especially a 68-year-old woman who is disabled and unable to work.

I couldn’t hold back my tears.

Elsa shared that she once had a small home, but it was destroyed by a fire. She has never been able to rebuild, and the person responsible was never found. Since then, she’s been doing the best she can to survive. She has also tried to have electricity restored, but she says she has repeatedly been told no.

As someone who has spent my career helping people find homes, it broke my heart to see someone without the most basic comforts or security.

I’m sharing Elsa’s story because I believe our community has always been at its best when we come together to help those in need. Every donation, every share, and every prayer can make a difference. My hope is that we can help provide Elsa with safe living conditions, restore her dignity, and remind her that she is not alone.

Thank you for taking the time to read her story. If you are able to help in any way, no matter how small, it will mean more than words can express. Together, we can give Elsa hope and help her begin a new chapter.