Maria Ortiz is one of many who are part of a self help project to finish building their homes.

“I'm scared that they'll take the material away since I don't have any help and my house has to be completed by November or else they'll take the material,” said Ortiz.

The Border Fair Housing partnered up with El Paso County and the Texas Department of Housing, to help 64 low income families living in the Lakeway and Agua Dulce colonias.

"They're living in many cases in third-world living conditions,” said Anibal Olague, Executive Director of Border Fair Housing.

They've provided all the materials needed to finish the homes, but right now the families and Border Fair Housing are finding themselves in a tough spot.

"One of the reasons why they've gotten behind in building their homes is because they're so dedicated to their work and to their family that they have in many cases two to three jobs,” said Olague.

In Ortiz's home stacks of wood sit where the living room is supposed to be, she has unfinished walls and no cabinets in the kitchen.

"I've been living like this for 20 years without having my house complete, I’ve gone through summers and very cold winters,” Olague said.

The project is nearing its deadline and these homes must be completed within the next 30 days.

Ortiz said any help is greatly appreciated. "I ask God that if there are people who work in construction to please come and help me , I ask them from the bottom of my heart. I've been living like this for years and I don't want to live like this anymore."

If these homes aren't completed within the next month not only will it jeopardize these families living conditions but funding to help many other families may also be taken away.

If you'd like to volunteer to help finish these homes call Border Fair Housing at 351-2770