October 23rd-26th (Friday-Monday) - House build for a much needing family!
We'll be going to Maneadero, Mexico, which is just south of Ensenada to build a house from the ground up for the Cruz Santes Family. Here is some more info on the family we will be helping:
Mother
Ana Santes Luna is 39 years old and was born in Veracruz. She has four siblings and is the second oldest in her family. She completed elementary school but was unable to continue her education because she grew up on a rural ranch where access to schools was limited. Ana became a mother at the age of 17.
She currently works at an organic produce packing facility, helping support her family through seasonal agricultural work.
Father
Angel Cruz Molina is 45 years old and was born in Veracruz. He has one older brother. Like Ana, he completed only elementary school because his family could not afford for him to continue his education. He currently works fumigating the farm he works at.
Their Story
Ana and Angel have been together for 24 years. Ana was 15 years old and Angel was 20 when they got married. Before they were married, Angel would often pass by Ana's home while tending cattle, and that is how their relationship began. Over time, they fell in love and decided to build a life together.
The family lived in Veracruz for many years, where they struggled with poverty and the uncertainty of seasonal work along the coast. Eventually, they were hired to work in San Quintín for agricultural work, returning year after year during the harvest seasons.
Three years ago, while working in Baja California once again, they made the decision to settle permanently in Maneadero in hopes of creating a more stable future for their family. At first, they lived with relatives, but later they rented a home while working toward purchasing land of their own.
About a year ago, they purchased a piece of land where they hope to build a permanent home. They currently make monthly payments of 3,800 pesos (approximately $205 USD) toward the total price of 278,000 pesos (approximately $15,000 USD). Running water is available in their neighborhood, but they have not yet been able to afford to connect and put the tubing in. Electricity is not yet available on their property.
Despite years of hard work, they have not yet been able to build a home and continue to dream of a place they can finally call their own.
Their Children
Jahir Cruz Santes is 22 years old and was born in Veracruz. Because the family moved frequently for seasonal agricultural work, he only went to school through elementary school and eventually stopped going. Today, he says he would like to continue his education. He currently works fumigating the farm alongside his father.
César Cruz Santes is 16 years old and was also born in Veracruz. He is in his first year of high school, equivalent to 10th grade. He dreams of studying computer science. He is determined to continue his education and pursue opportunities that will help build a brighter future.
Why?
Ana and Angel have spent more than two decades working tirelessly to provide for their family through agricultural labor. Despite years of sacrifice and seasonal migration for work, they are still striving to build a permanent home. They continue making monthly payments on their land while supporting their children and working long hours in the fields. Although water is available, they have not been able to afford the connection, and the property still does not have electricity. Their greatest hope is to build a safe and stable home where their family can finally put down permanent roots.
Thank you for supporting this hardworking family.
Baja Bound Ministries (https://bajabound.org/) is hosting our build and providing our lodging and meals. I have been on 7 Baja Bound builds and they are an incredible way to have a real impact and help bring human beings out of poverty.
If you would like to JOIN us to change a families' life:
- The suggested minimum donation per adult participant is $400. For youth or young adults, the suggested minimum donation is $200. This amount will cover 3 nights food and lodging for the participant at the Baja Bound beachfront site. If you are unable to donate this amount but still want to join, contact me and we will make sure you can go.
- The total cost for the house is $10,000, so any additional donations are appreciated. Encourage friends and family members to make a donation to sponsor you for this build (just share this page with them or on social media)
- Participants will need to find their own transportation down to San Diego and be there by no later than 10:30 AM on October 23rd. Some participants may choose to drive down and car pool others across the border. We will rent vans to get everybody a ride. The drive is about 2.5 hours from San Diego. It is safe, on paved, mostly toll roads.
- We will drive across the border and plan to arrive at the Baja Bound lodging in the evening of Friday, October 23rd. We will build the house on Saturday and Sunday. We will dedicate the house on the morning of Monday, October 26th and then drive back to San Diego. Any return flights out of San Diego should be scheduled to depart after 6pm on Monday, October 26th so you have plenty of time to get there hours before your flight.
- Everyone will have an opportunity to build/paint the home as well as visit a local orphanage.
- There is NO experience necessary, NO Spanish speaking needed, and NO construction experience necessary.
- I will do coordination among participants via a Whatsapp group chat. If you want to join this build, submit your information via this form: https://forms.gle/rZPUXkxS8w1DHafX8 and I will add you to the group.
If you would like to DONATE to this project all funds funnel to BajaBound and will be spent towards:
- An experienced staff that provides logistics, set-up, guidance and interpreters.
- Construction materials, equipment, and every other needed element to build a 16 X 20 insulated home on a concrete slab with electrical wiring (Utilities permitting).
- Service programs and outreach in the community and local orphanage.
Thanks in advance for any donations you are able to make!
Jim Curtis
"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something." -Helen Keller
THANK YOU for choosing to do something! In cases like these, that "something" means EVERYTHING.
