It is very common in Mexico for families to own land, but to have no means to build a home. Many have no alternative than to rent whatever
they can find in their price range, which is more often than not a moldy, wet house/apartment that is not insulated or weatherproofed. If they don't have the means to rent, they may be forced to live on their land in a "house" with a dirt floor, built out of materials like wood pallets and tarps.
Families who receive homes do have some requirements. They must own the land, as well as have it paid off or be making their monthly payments on time. They must also have the land prepared and level for us to pour the foundation. Families are not required to assist with the build, however they are asked to be present and encouraged to help. We do need to expect and understand that there are times when one or both parents, and sometimes older children, are not able to take time off of work. The family will also be in charge of security of the materials for the week. Most of our building sites will not be fenced in, so there will need to be someone on site overnight to keep things secure.
The homes are 16x20 feet, with two bedrooms and a loft. Contact us to find out the current price, as the cost of building materials is very fluid. The loft is often used as a bedroom for young children. One set of bunk beds with new mattresses will be included in the cost of the home. The house will include electrical, but not plumbing. All the tools needed to build a home will be provided. Your team members may feel free to bring their favorite hammer, or a tool belt, etc. if they wish. Please remember to label anything that is brought.
It is beneficial to have at least one or two people with construction knowledge, but as stated above, it is not necessary. We recommend 12-15 youth or adults per home. (Smaller groups, like 8 adults are acceptable if they have construction experience.) We also recommend taking a full five days to build a home. This allows time to build relationships and do some evangelistic ministry. However, homes may be built in as little as two days.
Home Build Crews: There are three crews that you will be divided into at your home build – Framing, Painting, and Cutting. There will need to be an adult leader in charge of each crew.
House Dedication: Please begin preparing now for the dedication of your house. This is the time at the end of the build when the keys to the new home are given to the family. We will pass the keys around to all the team members so that they can say a few words to the family if they wish. We suggest that you have one or two people share their testimony with the family. (Two people sharing a 4-6 minute testimony, not including translation time, is ideal). Please note that there are often family, friends, and neighbors present for the dedication as well. Before handing the keys over to the family is a good time for you (or another team member or pastor if you choose) to pray for the family. Remember to keep the focus on their new home being a gift from the Lord.
Gifts for the Family: Some teams do like to bless their home build family with house-warming gifts. Your team may feel free to bring or buy some items to put in the home for your family. Items may include dishes, towels, blankets, curtains, etc. If desired, we can also provide a housewarming basket, which would include items like the ones we just listed. A box of food, such as sugar, flour, beans, rice, pasta, juice, and more, is also available. Please contact us for current pricing. Any other gifts you may wish to purchase should be discussed with the Director or Ministry Coordinator of Connections House. There may aspects of a gift that may not get consideration, such as buying items that use a lot of electricity.
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