Mexico Service Trip, March 1-9, 2008

The Mexico Service Retreat is organized through the Amor, Come Build Hope Program. The mission trip is a short-term mission trip based on serving the local church in Mexico, while creating cultural understanding through direct exposure to the Mexican culture. Each group will build a small home for a family in need. This immersion will help students understand the conditions of poverty and how we, as architects, may be able to help.

The specific site within Baja Mexico will be given to the groups upon arrival. The sights are approved for a specific family in need; selected by a local pastor who lives and works with the local community. The family, however, does not need to be active in a specific parish to receive a home.

The primary goal of the program is to construct a home for a family in need while demonstrating techniques and attitudes applicable to the greater good of the community. To accomplish this, students build a home without power tools, using only the materials and tools available to the local community. This ultimately demonstrates a sustainable home built only by hand and with the means available in the area. This idea coupled with the compassion and education instilled at the University of Notre Dame sincerely teaches students how they can truly make a difference.

This year 23 students are traveling to Mexico for the retreat. As with any service project there is a significant amount of financial assistance necessary. This year each student will be responsible for raising $900; this fee includes the materials to build the home, airfare, food and lodging. If you would like to help out in any way please email Daniel Bertao at Daniel.J.Bertao.1@nd.edu or Eamon Murphy at William.E.Murphy.263@nd.edu.