Frequently Asked Questions -
comunidad Corazón basics

You can find the answers to these questions below.

What is Corazón?
What is comunidad Corazón?
What does Corazón offer?
    In Mexico
    In the U.S.
How do the participants become involved?
What is a 'house build plus?
What kind of house can you build in one day?
    House build plus and Super Build
    Repairs
Who receives the house?
Why do you build in Mexico when there are so many needy families in the U.S.?
Why volunteer?
Why sponsor a project?
Is it Safe?
Do I have to be part of a group?
Where do we meet?
Do I need a passport?
    Exceptions
Can we take a bus?
What do we need to bring?
 

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In the United States

Considered our 6^th program area, Corazón positively affects volunteers from the United States by giving them the opportunity to serve others and learn not only about another culture and people, but about themselves.  We offer volunteers the opportunity to grow and to feel the joy of receiving and giving.  We often hear volunteers saying at the end of the day that they have received more than they have given.  They look at life a little differently and treat people a little nicer.  Volunteer opportunities are available in Santa Ana and Mexico.  Please contact the office to get more information and to make arrangements.                                                                                               Back to top

How do participant families become involved?

The reality is that the families choose us.  They see the activities in the community, walk up to someone who is working and ask what is going on. Those already involved in the program will welcome the newcomer and show them how they, too, can be a part of the program. The families who are contributing regularly are among those that get chosen for future projects.                                Back to top

What is “House Building Plus”?

House Building Plus is our approach to construction projects in Mexico. For over twenty five years we have built small homes in Mexico, becoming quite comfortable with the process.  In the past, we considered the house building to be an isolated project, separate from the normal activity of the community.  We have learned that we have become part of the community life, and as such, we can have a much greater impact on the living conditions of the residents there through a few simple “additions” to our normal routine.  The “Plus” refers to those other projects that, in the past, sometimes we have “added” and sometimes we have not, depending on the weather, time, energy, finances and a few thousand other factors.  It is an opportunity for the sponsoring group to continue their committment after the project day. They can sponsor a family, scholarship or special event or hold a donation drive. Further, the residents of the community know that we are coming on a particular day, so they can work to earn the right to take part in the activities that we will bring.                                        Back to top

What kind of house can you build in just one day?

House Build Plus and Super Build

The now standard Corazón house, introduced in 1996, is a 16’ x 20’ structure on a concrete slab (poured ahead of time by the community residents as a community work project). This house includes five windows, tiled kitchen counter, stove, vent, sleeping loft, storage shelf and provisions for a future indoor toilet.  This design lends itself to the comunidad Corazón program, because the family now has shelter, and can earn future help with finishing the bathroom area, drywall and other improvements.  It provides security and now they can focus on their children’s education and their own training. This house can be assembled very quickly, and as a result, we have been able to build nine of these homes in a single day with adequate financing, leaders and volunteers.                                                   Back to top

Repair

This is not a house at all, but a very personal approach to repairing and upgrading some of the existing homes. With a fairly experienced crew, we can repair up to five homes in a single day at a cost as little as $500 to $4000 each. You will notice a different feeling on these trips, as you and just a few others work directly with the family who lives there, and you are faced with some of the limitations that they have everyday. Examples of repairs include roofing, windows, paint, and perhaps a cement floor or drywall inside. We may work on these homes on multiple days depending on the types of repairs needed.

The majority of repairs are actually additions to homes.  The families need to 'purchase' the addition with 500 of their community service hours.  These are families that have worked hard over many years to earn these hours. They are also the families whose young children are now teenagers and they need more space or the young couple whose family is growing. The list for additions is usually longer than the list of participants waiting for houses.                                                                          Back to top

Who receives the houses?

Once a family shows commitment to the program by working 30 hours, they are interviewed and scheduled to attend our gardening and child abuse prevention class.  After this is complete, they are
eligible to receive all of Corazón's benefits.  The house, if needed, is one of the first items the family receives. Having a secure place to live allows them to focus on other issues such as education, training and bettering their lives.  The family must have the right to be on the land, (either by ownership or rights of possession) so we are assured they can stay in the home. These requirements result in stronger individuals, families and community.                                                                   Back to top

Why do you build in Mexico when there are so many homeless in the U.S.?

Generally, the need is greater and it is easier to make an immediate change in a family's standard of living.  Mexico has less of a welfare "safety net", and fewer national resources to support them. Also, we could not legally build our house in the U.S. because it has no plumbing or electricity, although the house is structurally sound.

Corazón has many volunteers, and we are capable of having outreach programs locally when and if leaders come forward who are willing to run the programs.  Through our research in developing the comunidad Corazón program, we believe the same techniques will work to help families in the United States when we find and develop a leaders and volunteers who are ready to work here.  Back to top

Is it safe?

More than 20 U.S. based non-profits operate in Baja California during the year. Since the surge in violence in 2007, there have been no reported incidents of volunteers being involved in any of these. 

The US Department of State Travel Alert on February 20, 2009 states
"While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently.  It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim.  Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel

Most of the violence reported in the news has occurred in the East side or affluent neighborhoods of the city. The incidental violence implicating Americans involved some decidedly risky behavior.  Driving late at night or isolated camping has inherent risks.  These were attractive and vulnerable targets where nationality was not the motive and unfortunately they were robbed and assaulted. 

Corazón has employed a number of safeguards and procedures to make your day in Mexico a safe and productive one.  These include:  

·         Your trip will be done in the morning in the safety of a caravan that will guide your group across the border to the project site and then back to the border at the end of the day.

·         We have Mexican staff members on duty every Saturday to assist us with any incidents that may arise.  We are in constant radio contact with our Mexico office from the time we leave the parking lot in Chula Vista until the return to the border.

·         The areas that Corazón works in are not the same ones where reported violent events have taken place. Additionally, with over 700 families participating in the program, we also have wide community support.  In other words, the people in Mexico look out for us.

·         Our Mexico Board of Directors includes three government officials who are working to ensure Corazón’s safety in Mexico.

·         We are in contact with the US Consulate in Tijuana as well as the local and state police who are assisting us with traffic escorts to and from the communities, and visit us to ensure we are safe.

·         Our projects are designed to be easily completed in one day with the goal of getting your group safely back to the border before dark.  We supply you with maps to guide you through Tijuana and make your crossing back home as easy and safe as possible. We review the maps and the caravan process at lunch time. The map also includes information in case you are stopped by police along with local phone numbers and a phone number for Corazón staff in Mexico.

·         We are partnering with bus companies to allow for 25 and 50 passenger buses, depending on location.

We do not want to downplay the concerns about the violence that is occurring in Mexico. We do, however, want you to understand all the safeguards Corazón has traditionally had in place to assure your safety as well as the additional measures we have added to these.  We are carefully monitoring the situation on a daily basis from Santa Ana and Tijuana.  We will be escorting you through the city to your projects, maintaining radio communications during the entire process.  Your project will be in neighborhoods where you are among friends and that are typically free of any of the violence associated with the news reports.                                                                                 Back to top

Do I have to be part of a group?

NO. Individuals or small groups can sponsor their own projects or can come down on any sponsored project. Please contact the office at office@corazon.org for more information. You must also sign a waiver.                                                                                                        Back to top

Where do we meet?

Meet at 6 a.m. Von's, Terra Nova Shopping Center, Chula Vista; 805 South, exit H Street East; Turn right into Terra Nova Shopping center                                                                                           Back to top

Do I need a Passport?

Yes. U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry are required to have documents that comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), most commonly a U.S. passport, a passport card, a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST, or an enhanced driver's license.                                                                             

    Exceptions:

Children: Beginning June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 16 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card.

Groups of Children: Beginning June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 19 arriving by land or sea from contiguous territory and traveling with a school group, religious group, social or cultural organization, or sports team, may also present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card.

• The name of the group and supervising adult,
• A list of the children on the trip, and the primary address, phone number, date of birth, place of birth, and name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child,
• A written and signed statement of the supervising adult certifying that he or she has obtained parental or legal guardian consent for each participating child.                       Back to top

Can we take a bus?

Yes. See out web site for a list of carriers.                Back to top                                                 

What do I need to bring?

Bring a hammer, paintbrush, paint roller, pencil, nail apron, sunscreen, hat, gloves, snacks, and plenty of water.  Other suggested supplies: canopy, trash bags, handy wipes, hand sanitizer, lip balm, and change of clothes and shoes.  Dress comfortably and appropriately. Wear closed-toed shoes. Do not bring anything you can’t afford to lose.                             Back to top                          

Why Volunteer

It's hard to put into words the sense of wonder, gratitude and grace you feel when you are completely exhausted yet completely exhilarated by what you have accomplished. As one volunteer stated at the end of the day, as he stood there with a tear in his eye, 'I get it now.'  Our volunteers say it best so here are some testimonials from them.

We are so fortunate to have what we are given here in California.  But girls, the true gift is always in the giving.  I hope we can make Corazon a highlight of your high school careers.  That is what the event was all about, the giving.  For that very reason, the day was a tremendous success.  All three coaches lead the girls to a victory that will be remembered for a lifetime.
   Coach from Santa Margarita High School after she participated in a soccer clinic.

Playing with all the young boys made me realize that each and everyone of them is just like the friends that I have.

The best part of the end of the day was when the children came up to the girls and asked them to sign their soccer ball they were given. Not only did the children ask us girls to sign their soccer balls, but they even asked the parents that came down with us to sign their balls. Signing their soccer balls, I felt like I touched each and everyone one of them in some way and helped put that smile on their face. Little do those children know, but each and everyone one of them touched me in some way and helped put a smile on my face.
    Students from Santa Margarita High School after she participated in a soccer clinic.

That reality is just what members of the girls soccer program brought home with them.  That was their reciprocated gift to receive back on this special day.  The girls realized that it did not matter what type of clothing (uniform) or shoes (cleats) one brings to the day (game), what mattered is that one had a ball and a place to play the game of soccer.  The Santa Margarita girls realized that their everyday good fortune did not continue across the border.  The girls saw firsthand that the living and economic conditions in Tijuana were not at all the same outside of the sheltered Orange county community.  The day brought exposure to an environment that opened their eyes to a different, more challenged way of life.
    Parents from Santa Margarita High School after she participated in a soccer clinic.            Back to top

Why Sponsor a Project

There are many types or projects and activities to sponsor - houses, additions, bathrooms, scholarship, special events, classes etc. They all have value. Often families wait for years for an addition or a drywall and insulation project. These are the families who have been working in the comunidad program for years. You can click here for a list of projects, but take time to read the testimonials of our families to find out WHY you should become a sponsor.

I asked for a house and you built me a castle.

I feel that we can give our children more now, things that we couldn’t provide for them like shoes. Our children have improved in their schooling. My work and neighbor skills have also improved. I have more confidence in myself and my work.

The group has taught us to motivate ourselves, to be united, to help each other.

I'm closer to my kids because they also work with Corazón. We work together. I have a better understanding of my community. I work as a welder, but now I have construction skills from the Construction class.

I am not sad or depressed. Now I am more active, more responsible and have more energy to continue with life, with the support of my family and Corazón.

Thanks to Corazón my dreams have come true. They made the impossible real.                                Back to top