Casita Linda: a Non-profit House-Building Program in San Miguel de Allende Mexico

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With the advice of local organizations, we visit villages known to be home to families in extreme poverty. There our team conducts interviews and determines which families are in greatest need. Construction timetables are established for each home, volunteers teams are scheduled, and materials are purchased.

Casita Linda's maestro and volunteers are joined by the community and family in the construction process.

Casita Linda construction uses a poured-in-place system with reusableforms held together by snap ties. These are filled with a mix of

cement, inorganic dirt and maxeh, a specialadditive. The result is an innovative material that reaches the compression strength of concrete, but which is more insulating, environmentally friendly and cost effective.

The foundation uses a snap-together reusable metal form. A system of roof trusses, which lock into the wall forms, allow us to pour the walls and roof in one day.

Casita Linda's homes feature a locking door, a window with screen and glass, a sink and a shower. Built by volunteers, the cost for a Casita Linda 12' x 16' home is only $1,500 USD.

Casita Linda homes are fully funded through donations from individuals and service organizations.

San Miguel de Allende