as architects we possess skills that help our clients realize their dreams. as socially minded professionals, we have the ability, some might even say responsibility, to help those without adequate housing realize their dream of one day providing a decent home for their family. st. francis xavier rocky point house build program, in association with amor ministries, is a volunteer organization that works with families to realize that dream. amor ministries is a non-denominational relief and development agency which specializes in facilitating short-term building projects in mexico. twice a year our group participates in five day home building projects. in that short time, volunteers construct simple, weather tight, secure structures in the barrios of puerto penasco, mexico. i encourage you to use your skills to assist those in need.

1. as architects we possess skills that help our clients realize their dreams. as socially minded professionals, we have the ability, some might even say responsibility, to help those without adequate housing realize their dream of one day providing a decent home for their family. st. francis xavier rocky point house build program, in association with amor ministries, is a volunteer organization that works with families to realize that dream. amor ministries is a non-denominational relief and development agency which specializes in facilitating short-term building projects in mexico. twice a year our group participates in five day home building projects. in that short time, volunteers construct simple, weather tight, secure structures in the barrios of puerto penasco, mexico. i encourage you to use your skills to assist those in need.

2. the neighborhood, a barrio in puerto penasco, mexico home owner francisco, a masons apprentice, lends a helping hand by mixing concrete

3. the existing home consists of a patchwork of found materials including scrap lumber, sheets of plastic and old garage doors

4. pouring the concrete slab, the existing home has a dirt floor

5. framing the walls and roof…

6. … erecting the structure…

7. … adding a window

8. wire substrate covered with building paper and chicken wire will support the stucco

9. home owner francisco mixes the stucco

10. first coat of stucco…

11. … second coat of stucco

12. the completed home, secure and weather tight

13. the family and our team leader, john arthur

14. the home build team: professionals, students and concerned citizens

15. why we do it…the children now have a safe place to sleep