Hogar del Cristo

This past Saturday, I helped build a home with the organization Hogar del Cristo. Hogar del Cristo is very similar to Habitat for Humanity. The organization is able to buy land and materials and sell it to families who are in need of a home at a reduced price. Hogar del Cristo is an incredible organization because they do more then provide houses; they offer support to these families. Hogar del Cristo works with the woman of the family; key to their mission is empowering women. The organization provides education to these women and their children, as well as help them learn a skill to earn a living. Hogar del Cristo also provides safety and protection for women and children who have been abused. I was happy to volunteer with an organization that does such good work.

We arrived at the site around 9am on Saturday and were done by 2pm. By working all together it went quick! I helped build the house in the morning, and then in the afternoon I offered to help make lunch. I liked making lunch because the woman who was receiving the house prepared the food with us. Getting to know who was actually receiving the house made the experience more meaningful. She was so excited and grateful to finally be getting a house of her own.  However, it made me a little sad because the house does not have running water, a bathroom, or electricity. It is possible for her and her husband to get these appliances eventually, but not until they have the means to pay for it themselves, which will most likely be a long time. I couldn't imagine living in a house without these basic necessities for more than a week. Her happiness reminded me of how fortunate I am.

Before....

After...

She is enjoying her new house!