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General Description
Teamed with Project Mercy, a 501-C (3) non-profit agency based in San Diego, Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary proposes to purchase the materials for and to build a small, basic house in one of the poor "colonias" of Tijuana, Mexico.
The goal of the project is to help improve the basic living standards and quality of life for impoverished families who live in conditions precarious to their health in the shantytowns of the colonias of Tijuana.
In addition to purchasing the materials, RB Sunrise members and others will participate in the construction of the house.
Discussion
The inadequate housing of the colonias of Tijuana leads to health hazards year round. Rats, mice, tarantulas, and scorpions invade shacks build directly on top of dirt. Leaking roofs and patched walls cannot keep the dusty winds of summer and the cold winds and rain of winter from entering the living quarters. This leads to respiratory and bronchial ailments; babies who have frozen to death; and fire that claims lives every year. Many residents do not have a latrine, and empty human waste on the land.
The Project Mercy program is based on three criteria: Need; length of time in the program; and amount of "sweat equity" assistance that the receiving family has given. The residents work on at least four houses for their neighbors prior to receiving their own. This builds community and pride.
RB Sunrise members will team with Project Mercy, other associated volunteers from the club, and members of other Rotary Clubs in Tijuana in the hands-on construction of the dwelling.
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