Charity Works: Casita Linda

By Nikki Miller

Casita Linda creates a dignified, safe and empowering environment that provides a foundation of hope for families living in extreme poverty. Founded in 2001, after San Miguel de Allende suffered a harsh winter where the unusual freezing temperatures caused several deaths because of the sparce living conditions of many rural families. Jeffrey Brown, a San Miguel resident, stonemason, and graphic artist, with the help of Irma Rosado, a local human-services consultant, secured a small donation and formed Casita Linda as an A.C. In 2017 it earned 501c3 status, becoming a recognized nonprofit organization in the United States and allowing people from around the world to contribute to making Casita Linda’s achievements possible. Since its inception 176 homes have been built for families in 15 communities around San Miguel. Each year one is selected, and they build as many homes as funding will allow.

Over the years the housing design has changed with current houses being built sustainably and simply. Each home is 600 square feet and includes three bedrooms, a kitchen/dining area, and one bathroom. It takes approximately 6 weeks to build one home and there are many opportunities for volunteers to help. Corporate partners, such as CDR Realty, whose employees help paint the houses, provide gifts for the children during the holidays and assist with other items the family may need.

Casita Linda’s path to homeownership is an in-depth process, requiring hard work, time and commitment on the part of the homeowner. Families are chosen through a vigorous vetting process performed by the Casita Linda Social Worker and the Executive Director with final approval by the Board of Directors.  

The families must meet strict criteria prior to the start of the building process. Some of these criteria include having a deed to the land, a household income of less the $600 USD a month, children attending school, no abuse in the household, and the parents must attend nine months of workshops. Once selected, homeowners become partners throughout the process. This partnership includes families contributing “sweat equity” by providing 100 hours of labor to help build their own home or the homes of others in the community. Families attend community-based workshops led by Magda Pérez, a Mexican social worker with decades of experience working with families in these communities. Workshop topics include self-esteem, values, goal setting, nutrition, childcare, home care, water conservation, organic gardening, and job and entrepreneurial skills.

Once relationships are built, they tackle more challenging issues such as sexuality, family planning, addiction, and domestic violence. Through local governmental and non-governmental organizations additional services and resources are provided to the families as needed.

Casita Linda follows up with the families after the house is completed. Through partnerships with other organizations they support healthy development of the community. Examples include co-hosting community festivals, helping organize pet sterilization clinics with Amigos de los Animales, partnering with Caminos de Agua to build rainwater catchment systems for elementary schools, and installing pop-up libraries with Libros para Todos. Many of the homeowner partners are involved and have remained close to the Casita Linda staff for years.

“Most of the deeds are in the women’s names, and it is very common to see these women take on new challenges, find better jobs, and develop more marketable skills as they go through the process and, ultimately, provide a stable home for their family” says Louise Gilliam, President of the Board. “One example is our administrative person, who came to us at the age of 20 wanting a better home for her, her husband and two girls. She started helping to clean the offices then decided she would like to learn computers and English; she is now one of our three part-time employees.”

With your help, Casita Linda can provide new families with the gift of a home and the stability that comes with having a safe place to live. If you cannot attend the gala, you can still help a family through your tax-deductible donation or by volunteering.

To learn more visit casitalinda.org