Home is where my heart is!

Hi. My name is Jasmine Galarza. Some of you may know me, some may not. I am a proud person who can usually fend for herself but I’m in a situation that I can’t seem to get out of on my own. 

After 5 long miserable years, I’m humbly asking for assistance and pray you have it in your heart to help me. Please read my story below.



In 2019, I decided to completely renovate the house I have lived in for over 40 years. I discussed my ideas with a contractor that I knew for many years. He previously worked on projects I was involved with when I worked in real estate, so I had full trust in him. With my parents’ blessing, I decided to move forward with the renovations. That was my first mistake as he agreed to work on my house but did so without a signed contract but a verbal agreement in place.



I informed my tenants that the entire building (basement, 1st floor, & 2nd floor) was going to be gutted and waited until they secured a place to live before starting the renovations. I also had to find a place to stay and a friend offered to share her apartment with me for what I thought would be 8-9 months maximum. 

This is when everything went downhill. Being that I was working during the week, I hired another person to be my liaison, a project manager. I paid him to hire a crew and obtain permits. Both seemed to take way too long to secure. He finally brought his 80 year old brother and his son to work with him. After several months of very little progress and definitely not getting my money’s worth of service, in January 2020 I fired my ineffective project manager.  In March 2020, we all know what happened…COVID hit and everything stopped…for months. 


A few months later, in July 2020, I lost my son to gun violence. This tragedy left me devastated. I was completely drained mentally, physically, and emotionally. Knowing I had to pick up the pieces and get back into my home, I had to work with the contractor to find workers to finish construction on the house. I continued to fund the project, eventually dipping into my savings to obtain materials and to pay salaries (or so I thought). Once again, I noticed there was very little progress with the house. 

After living with my friend for 2 years, in April 2022 it was time for me to move out. But I had nowhere to go. By the grace of God, another friend offered her house to live in. 

In those 2 years, all that was done in the house was on the 2nd floor which was about 75% completed. The last room that needed to be worked on was the kitchen. Appliances and materials were ordered by my contractor but I never did see a receipt for any of it.

Two months later, my contractor passed away. There were no receipts found and all my money was gone. I had nothing to claim and no money left. All I’ve had for the last year is an unlivable house. This was not only my home but a source of income. Four years after starting the renovation, I need so many materials to complete the project….flooring, electrical installation, kitchen cabinets & appliances, plumbing materials, AC units, stairs & banister for 2nd floor, and so much more. It is completely overwhelming.

My parents are paying my mortgage but can’t do so past Oct. I can’t express how helpless I feel right now.

 I’m asking for any donation of time, talent, and/or money to help complete the 2nd floor. My main priority is to have a tenant in the apartment and collect rent to help me pay for my mortgage. 

I have lost so much over the last 4 years. I do not want to lose my home as well. I am desperately asking for any help you can provide. I would appreciate anything that will help.
Thank you and God bless!

You can also send to my

Zelle:            9176875536)

CashApp:   $JazzGala

Venmo:        @Jasmine-Galarza-2