1Mission Organization And How We Partner to Build Homes
We are so excited to share this post with you, as this organization and their mission has become so important to our family. Recently our family was a part of a house build in Puerto Panasco Mexico. I posted a little bit about it on Instagram stories and received so many questions and comments regarding the trip with 1Mission and how to get involved. Thank you so much for your interest and your questions! I hope to share a little bit about the organization, and my family’s experience here in hopes to answer your questions, and hopefully have you join such an amazing mission too!
1Mission is a community development organization giving people in poverty the opportunity to earn a house by serving their community.
My husband was introduced to 1Mission when he was asked by our church in 2013 to lead a group of young adults on a house building trip in Mexico (a four-hour drive from our home). Over three days, with the help of 1Mission staff, the young adult team built the house alongside the family who would be living in the home. The experience was amazing, but beyond the build process, what he appreciated about 1Mission was the “why” and the “how” of the organization. Through a partnership with 1Mission, families living in poverty are able to earn their home by serving their own community alongside their neighbors, family, and friends. Through a community development approach, 1Mission partners with the local community leaders and residents to empower them to work together towards sustainable community development. This approach allows the community to rise together, lifting each other up. It is such a beautiful picture of community, love, and ownership.
At 1MISSION, we know that every dollar given represents the sacrifice and generosity of our donors. We take that seriously. So here's our commitment to you: 100% of public donations will go to our projects and programs in the field.
This incredible organization channels most of their efforts to building homes for poverty-stricken families in third-world countries such as El Salvador, Nicaragua and Mexico. Since its inception, 1Mission has built 898 Houses, provided safe shelter for 4,154 people, and served 137,611 volunteer hours with 25,721 trip volunteers.
There are several ways to get involved with 1Mission, but the two that we are most involved in are their mission trip program and their House to House program.
Mission Trips
Through the mission trips, groups spend 4 days in Mexico to assist with building a home. As a trip participant, you work alongside a local family and other community members to build a house. You’ll work with them, not for them. 1Mission’s focus is on connecting people to people, not people to projects. The experience is amazing, not comfortable, but highly impacting. At the end of the weekend it’s hard to leave… you are connected with this family, building together, playing with their kid’s… even though the time is short the impact is huge.
The 1Mission basecamp has space for tent or RV/trailer camping, as well as bunk houses, shower and bathroom facilities, and dining hall. The food is INCREDIBLE, and the staff is amazing. While at basecamp you will be introduced to 1Mission’s holistic approach to community development, learn a little bit about the building process, and rest (because while at the build site it is hard work!). At the build site you will work with your team (family, friends, strangers), and the family who will be moving into the home. While on past trips I have helped mix concrete, framed walls, cut plywood to fill roof trusses, and applied exterior stucco (the messiest but my favorite job!). Our kids participate too! Mixing concrete, nailing, sawing, and fighting with each other about who gets to help on the roof, are their favorite things to do while on site.
There is nothing like being on one of these trips. If you have the opportunity, take it! We’ll go with you!
House to House Program
This program is for people who work in the housing industry, from real estate, to construction, to interior design, you name it. By being a part of this program, you can either partner directly with a family and sponsor the build of their home, or you can contribute to multiple projects by providing home building funding as you go. Many realtors, title agents, and loan officers have decided that while providing for the needs of their clients during a home purchase they will also partner with 1Mission to contribute to the fundraising needed to build a home for a family in need.
1Mission provides a dedicated House to House representative to you, co-branded marketing materials, client gifts, proof reports, and the opportunity to meet the families you’ve helped.
As you help people buy, sell, improve, and settle into their homes, you’ll also be helping fund houses for families working to earn them in Mexico, El Salvador, and Nicaragua.
House to House gives you the opportunity to grow your brand and show not only that you care about your clients, but also the world around you.
My husband’s real estate team has had the opportunity to connect their clients (people here in the US who have bought or sold a house with them) with families in Mexico who have been serving their community to earn and build their home. Over the past five years, Redeemed Real Estate has partnered with 1Mission to build seven houses and have connected people in two different countries who have a common goal/need, a safe home for their family. I know Chris would absolutely LOVE to share more about the House to House program!!!
Other Ways to Get Involved
Our family experiences with 1Mission have been turned to memories of a lifetime! The opportunity to serve others alongside our children, and to partner with a family to build their home have a huge place in my heart and I am so thankful to be able to share with you. If you have any questions about 1Mission, please DM me on Instagram!
xo
Lexi