Humanitarian Storytelling - Evergreen Christian Center - Homes of Hope 2019
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In October I was part of a 22-person team from Evergreen Christian Center (Hillsboro, OR) that traveled to Ensenada, Mexico to work with Homes of Hope. This grassroots program started in 1990 and has since built homes, with help from people all over the world, in over 23 nations. Location and teams work with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) which has established multiple programs that outreach and support poverty-stricken communities.
There are only 2 days each year that families can come to the application day. These days are announced on a bulletin board in front of the compound… with no other advertisement, the group will have over 100 families standing in line each day. This is just the first part… from their families who qualify must go through a multi-level background check. The process for the family takes months but has a life-changing effect on the recipients and their community.
Homes of Hope has identified 5 major benefits for a family that is an instant impact on the recipient’s future. Check them out here!
This year ECC consisted of a large group to build two homes! Work was completed in two days…. Yes, you read that correctly. We met at ECC campus in Hillsboro and from there carpooled to the airport, hopped on a plane to San Diego, was picked up by HoH transportation team, drove across the Mexican border and traveled south for an hour (and half) to Ensenada. From there we were welcomed and given room assignments, given some time to drop bags off and then met at orientation. From there the two teams boarded the vans and taken to the building location. Upon arrival, we met the HoH staff and the family that we were building for. The rest of the afternoon we started constructing the home. Painting, building walls, cutting wood, framing and so much more. We were a tired bunch by the end of the day but the walls and tresses were up and ready for the final part of the home construction the next day. Day 2 consisted of a full day of construction. While the teams finished the home a small group took each family to the grocery store to buy groceries, home supplies, and clothing that would help the family for a while. When the group and family come home there is a key blessing ceremony and the key is handed to the family. The ECC group also purchases a kitchen set for their families and a furnishing set. This includes a table and chairs, and a bunk bed and mattress. This is all extra and a surprise to the family. We then head back to the YWAM compound and clean up. The next morning we spent a few moments on the beach, which is across from the YWAM compound, and then climbed into the vans to drive back to San Diego.
Check out the video that captures both teams and the trip. Images of the Red Team were captured by Renae Jacoby.
Enjoy the extra images that were not featured in the short film. The images below are captured by Stella Maris Photography.
If you have a story of work that is being completed for the good of the World and want to capture it to share with others, for fundraising, or to spread awareness please contact me. I work with groups and non-profits around the World.