Redwood City landlord grants homeless family their one holiday wish

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (KTVU) - Last week we did a story on Angelique Chavez and her children in Pacifica. The homeless single mother and her five kids had one wish-- a home for the holidays.

Now, a loyal KTVU viewer granted their wish and has offered the family a two-bedroom apartment in Redwood City. They moved in Tuesday night and found that their new landlord left them a Christmas tree.

The family is able to ward off the chill of winter a little better, knowing that they no longer have to sleep in a homeless shelter. On Wednesday evening, Chavez was greeted by her new landlord Ed Wienholz who offered her family the home rental.

After being homeless for 14 months, the family is finally taking the first steps to a new start, in a place they can call home.

"At least now, I know where I'm going to be. I can plan my days better," said Chavez.

Wienholz said he learned of the family's plight from watching the news.

"I didn't have to do anything. It was just automatic," he said.

The retired plumber said he's grateful for what he has and that this is his way of giving thanks and encouragement for others to do the same.

"To see they have more than enough. Look at their blessings and try to pass it on," said Weinholz.

The children, ages 6 to 16, said they are now free to play and be themselves.

"We can finally sleep on a comfortable bed. We can do things we couldn't do at the shelter," said 12-year-old Kora Rosales. The children consider it a burden lifted.

"I didn't want my memories of Christmas to be in a shelter," said 11-year-old Ana Adams.

She and her 12-year-old brother, Gabriel, were taken in by Chavez when their mother died and their father was no longer able to care for them.

"I don't really like telling people like my friends that I have to go to a shelter every night," said Ana.

Chavez said the newfound stability will help her start over and make a better life for her children.

She lost her home when she broke up with the father of her children. Now she's looking forward to a brighter future and is trying to save for something bigger that can one day be hers permanently she said.

Chavez works full time in retail sales. She said Christmas Day will be her only day off this week.  She and her children plan to spend it in their new home.

The family added that they're grateful for all the support they've received from all the KTVU viewers who've offered gift cards and other help.