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"There are times when language is not a vast barrier between people."
Kristina Blake
SDSU Student
Esperanza International House Building
Building Families a New Home and a Future
Esperanza International volunteers are involved in building an 11’x26’ home, which consists of a foundation, slab floor, block walls, and roof constructed completely out of concrete. Esperanza has designed and patented the Hainer block-construction method, which is an interlocking concrete block construction system. This includes a concrete roof which will enable the family to have the opportunity to add a second floor at a later date.
The construction system is designed to be built by volunteers with little or no construction experience. The homes are designed to meet safety, structural and earthquake codes. Installation of doors and windows plus stucco finish and painting are the responsibility of the homeowners. An Esperanza house is a solid, long lasting structure that is fire resistant and stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Concrete block construction was chosen because it is more desirable than wood.
Our construction methods attempt to maximize the abilities of each volunteer. There are ways that phases of the project could be completed faster and easier using more expensive equipment. However, the result would be less involvement by our volunteers members. We want every volunteer in every group involved in the building process. Our previous volunteers have left with a greater sense of accomplishment, a stronger team mentality and a better opportunity to build relationships with the family and community. Our mission is to build bridges between people and cultures.
We are committed to community development and we strongly believe true change can happen in the lives of people when they are empowered to bring about change. Each group that participates in any phase of building becomes part of that empowered community and contributes to bringing about change. You will be able to see your group’s connection not only to the family you are building with, but also the community you are in and the other groups who have contributed to the completion of the house. As a volunteer you are the change we believe in!
