HOMES OF HOPE
By Teddy Greenlee Indiana ‘22
In late November 2024, 15 Indiana University (IU) students embarked on a life-changing experience in Ensenada, Mexico. In just two days of building on-site, we were able to provide a home for a deserving family of five facing financial hardships.
My cousin, Jackie Lindsey, a senior at IU, and I coordinated with the Homes of Hope organization, a Youth With A Mission (YWAM) San Diego/Baja ministry, which has been sponsoring homes, community centers, and even skate parks in Ensenada since 1990. Their mission is to break the cycle of poverty by providing secure housing, which can set families ahead economically by 8 to 10 years and promote long-term stability. Jackie and I have more than 15 years of experience due to our family’s involvement with the organization, and we wanted to share the life-changing impact with our friends and brothers in Indiana.
The participants’ individual fundraising efforts totaled an incredible $40,645 for the trip. This money covered the building materials, new clothes and appliances for the family, plus food, travel, and accommodations for all the student volunteers. With the extra money raised, we also could buy the family a water tower with daily service and an electrical pole with solar panels for in-home electricity. The funds we had left we put toward helping to sponsor another build in the future.
When we arrived in Ensenada, we checked in at Hotel Cortez and went out for an authentic Mexican dinner, where our YWAM host, Esther, informed the group what to expect over the next three days.
After breakfast the next day, we traveled to our building location — about 35 minutes from the base and in a more mountainous region. From downtown Ensenada, known for its destination as a cruise ship hot spot and the invention of the margarita, to the city outskirts and slums, the difference is truly remarkable. We passed entire families living in a singular and houses built of cardboard on our daily drive; a truly humbling sight.
The Zazueta Avila family’s dwelling did not fare much better. Their original home consisted of scrap metal and a wood frame, patched with fishnet and duct tape — an actual shanty shack by definition. Yet, there was an overwhelming feeling of hope; the three children, Dulce (5), Juan (3), and Angel (1), all had smiles radiating from their faces, ready for their next adventure and to meet some new friends. The parents, Miguel and Rubi, were equally jovial and prepared to get to work on the 20-by-20 concrete slab in the middle of their property.
After discussing safety guidelines and assignments, we said a prayer over the house, and we began our work. It was the most productive team of builders I have worked with. We were already putting up the walls by lunchtime on the first day! By the end of the day, we had roof trusses in place and plywood to support the ceiling. One group had even started painting drywall inside.
When we arrived on the second day, we were pleasantly surprised to find that Miguel and Rubi, who were unable to sleep due to excitement, decided to stay and finish painting the inside. While the rest of the team finalized the house, brother Ethan Mcleod ‘22 and I took the Zazueta Avila family shopping. We bought them groceries, clothes, appliances, toys, and many hygiene essentials. By the time we returned, the house was complete!
After fully stocking and locking up the house, we had the key-gifting ceremony and let the family go into the house themselves for the first time. We then knocked on the door, became their first house guests, and presented them a housewarming gift — a group picture and a Bible.
It is difficult to summarize here, but it is life-changing for those who receive a home and a wildly impactful experience for those who volunteer. All 15 participants returned home with a new sense of gratitude and yearning to be more active in the community. I hope to make this trip a tradition of Phi Psi, so that together, we can help build a world where everyone has a place to call home.
Seven Indiana Beta brothers had an opportunity to serve together in an impoverished area of Mexico, and it has made a lasting impact. Those who participated are: Jackson Brantley ‘22, Teddy Greenlee ‘22, Ethan Mcleod ‘22, Kathan Raju ‘22, Archer Reid ‘22, Ethan Wilkerson ‘22, and Joe Wind ‘22.
Here’s what a few of them had to say:
“I saw a degree of optimism and joy in the family that starkly contrasted their living situation.” – Kathan Raju
“Being able to watch the lives of the family transform before our eyes was a great blessing.” – Joe Wind
“To be able to give them a home and change the trajectory of their lives was truly amazing.” – Jackson Brantley