Project Mercy
“And the disciples determined, everyone according to his ability,
to send relief to the brethren who lived in Judea.” (Acts 11:29)
Let’s gather together and help Project Mercy Baja on Saturday October 26… You can donate online using the button below, and by check delivered
to All Hallows, with “Project Mercy” in the memo.
As in previous years, we are planning to build two houses for two families in the Colonias of Tijuana.
If you can volunteer with building or painting (no special skills required), please email Renate Pilz at rpilz@ucsd.edu or call 858-456-2143 after 6:30 p.m.
Bertha was born in Sinaloa and Carlos in Guanajuato. They met in Tijuana when Bertha came to support the company she worked for in Sinaloa and he worked as a driver moving company personnel to their homes. When Bertha had to return to Sinaloa, he followed her and asked for her hand in marriage. They returned together to Tijuana to start their family and have been married for 25 years.
Carlos is a taxi driver and can earn up to 4200 pesos per week (@$262), depending on how many hours he works. Son José sells handiworks and makes up to 2000 pesos per week (@$125), and daughter Alondra works in a factory and earns 2800 pesos per week (@$175). They help their son Carlos and his young family with some of their expenses and they all share the same living quarters.
In Bertha’s own words: “Life is very difficult here. There is no sewer system, no drinking water and sometimes we can’t afford to buy water from the passing tanker truck. We don’t have our own electricity, which is currently provided by a neighbor. Our house was built with recycled material and there are many holes in the walls and roof. Sometimes in the Santa Ana winds we get sick because a lot of dust blows into the house. Water also leaks in many places.
Receiving a decent house would allow us to live in a safer place, sheltered from the cold, wind, and heat; a more comfortable place to rest.
We appreciate all the good work you are doing and personally would benefit a lot from any support on your part. We hope that you take us into account because we are already adults and only God knows how much time we have left. It would be very comfortable to have our own house.
Cell: 664 764 61-37 eduardo hijo 664 694 89-17 bertha mama / Solicitud: May 2024
Both Ana and Carlos were born in Tijuana. They originally met on the internet and over time developed a relationship. They are currently living with Carlos’ parents and are helping pay for the lot they will be living on.
Carlos is a taxi driver and earns approximately 4200 pesos per week (@$262), depending on how many hours he works.
Son Carlos still doesn’t know what he wants to be when he grows up, but he enjoys mechanics and especially helping when his dad is fixing a car. Daniel is doing very well in school and learns very fast. He says he wants to be a mechanic like his Dad. Aitana doesn’t play with dolls but loves things with lots of colors like unicorns and horses.
In Ana’s own words: “Things are challenging here. There is no sewage system and we don’t have a septic tank. We buy drinking water from a passing tanker truck but sometimes we have to do without because we are not at home when it passes by. We have electricity but it is weak and intermittent. We also struggle with transportation so to take the children to school I have to leave 2 hours earlier to get there on time and I have to stay near the school until 2 o’clock when my son gets out.
The importance for my family, more than anything, is the added space. Right now we are living in my mother-in-law’s house but we are very cramped with all the adults and the children living in a small room. We do not have the economic solvency at the moment because of the school expenses of the three children and because there are several other household expenses. As a result, so we cannot build a house of our own. Having a decent house would be a big comfort for all of us, but especially for the children.
I am very grateful that you are considering us for a house because since I was a child I have struggled a lot and now that someone may be willing to help us means a lot. I have not had any help except from my husband who is the one who supports us the most, but it is not easy to raise a family of 5 when only one is working. With a safe roof over our heads it would be much easier for our family. God bless you always.
Cell: 664 764 50-60 carlos 663 322 69-44 ana / Solicitud: May 2024
Community Development Projects Inc. dba Project Mercy Baja, is a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The tax ID number is 33-0677892. P.O. Box 500402, San Diego, CA 92150-0402
You must be logged in to post a comment.