Building Community and Hope in South Texas (Continued)
A Chance to Build a Better Life
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Prospective homeowners framing a new house. |
Through Proyecto Azteca, colonia residents can build and buy their own new homes. Working with a trainer who supervises the building process, families can construct a three-bedroom, one bath, approximately 1000 sq-ft. house. Homes are constructed in groups of 6-10, with families working cooperatively to build all the structures in their group at one time. Trainers are involved for the first 80 percent of the process, then families take complete responsibility for the finishing and "appearance" work. Classes teach them how to finish and paint walls, as well as to install cabinets, trim and linoleum. Children work alongside their parents in doing the painting and final touches.
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Families work as a team, constructing several homes at the same time. | |
After the house is completed and the utilities hooked up, the family begins to make regular house payments, which are not more than 10 percent of their monthly income. Insurance is part of their loan package.
A Proyecto Azteca home can be completed in about six weeks, although most families are finishing early. Almost 100 homes are built each year. Currently there is a waiting list of around 4000 families, with their level of priority determined by need. |
Three years ago, the Alvarado family nearly lost their nine-year-old son, Elias, to foster care. Elias had been burned over 70 percent of his body in an accident, resulting in the amputation of both of his lower legs and requiring multiple surgeries. At the time, his migrant-worker
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Elias Alvarado, sitting on railing, with his family and his new home. |
family was living in a rented shack with no roof, no running water and no electricity. The Texas Department of Regulatory and Protective Services advised the Alvarados that unless their housing situation improved dramatically, Elias would have to be moved to a foster home. Proyecto Azteca recognized the desperate situation the Alvarados were in, granted them priority status, and the family was able to construct a wheelchair-accessible house that meets Elias' special needs. The new home has vastly improved life for Elias and his siblings and parents as well.
Continue: Transformation Spurred By Hope >>