About Proyecto Abrigo
Proyecto Abrigo was founded in 1996 by Jose Luis Portillo in Tierra Nueva, Mexico. Since then, thousands of team members have built houses for hundreds of families in the poorer communities outside of Juarez, Mexico.
The houses, built of cinderblock, measure 12’ by 24’ and have a cement floor. Each team is aided by “maestros,” who show the team how to mix the mortar and cement and lay the blocks. The family, when able, often helps the team with the building of their new home. At the end of the week, the team and family participate in a house dedication. Trips usually end with a trip to the market and dinner at a local restaurant.
Teams stay in cinderblock dorms built similarly to the houses they are constructing. Bunk beds with foam pads line the large sleeping rooms. Running water, toilets, and showers are available in each dorm. (However, please note that you should not ingest the water. Also, toilet paper should not be flushed due to fragile sewage system). Bottled water is also provided for the teams. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining hall at the dorms everyday. The food is well prepared and safe for consumption. Wireless internet is also available at the Proyecto Abrigo dorms.