Sometimes, the biggest adventures happen just on the other side of the border! That's where our Hill Section teens are headed. Logan Berlinger, Jake Levin and Logan Mesko are headed to Homes of Hope in September, armed with hammers, paintbrushes, and a whole lot of heart. 

 

Joining forces with other South Bay teens, their families, and the fantastic volunteers at Homes of Hope, they'll be swapping textbooks for construction plans, trading the familiar buzz of the classroom for the satisfying thud of a well-placed nail.

 

Homes of Hope is an arm of the non-profit organization called Youth With A Mission, dedicated to building safe, secure homes for families in need. In Ensenada, just a stone's throw across the border, countless families battle with inadequate housing, often forced to endure flimsy shacks and/or cramped, shared spaces with health altering dirt floors. 

 

This is where our South Bay boys and their families step in. Their mission: to build a sturdy home on a concrete slab that will offer an approved family in Ensenada, a place to call their own. One interesting aspect of this program is that the family that applies for a home must first purchase the plot of land, demonstrating they truly have skin in the game and promote true empowerment. 

 

For our South Bay teens, this isn't just about raising walls and laying electrical. It's about connection. "One of my favorite things about the build is doing it alongside the family who will live there” -Logan Mesko shared. Having done three builds so far, he sees himself continuing this family tradition well into adulthood. Jake echoed the sentiment, adding, "It's not just about building a house, it's about building hope for the family. We're giving a family a fresh start, a chance at a brighter future."

 

Their families share their enthusiasm. "As parents, we want to instill in our children the importance of compassion and service," explained Logan’s mother, Tiffany. "This trip provides a hands-on opportunity to put those values into action." Jake’s mother, Dawn, added "This is about softening borders and building bridges of understanding. We're excited to learn about a different culture while making a real difference in someone's life”.  Jen Berlinger explained, “A community-rich, hands-on service project for our entire family has been on our bucket list for a very long time.”

 

Homes of Hope provides the expertise and materials, leaving the boys and their families to roll up their sleeves and get to work. From painting moldings to hammering nails, every contribution, big or small, forms a vital part of the construction of the home. And while there will be sore muscles and tired hands, there's an undeniable sense of purpose that fuels their every step. It's an experience that transcends language and border lines, forging a connection that speaks volumes.

 

So, when you next see one of the two Logans or Jake around the neighborhood, give them a high five! They're ambassadors of hope, young hands shaping a brighter future for a family in need. 

 

Homes of Hope motto:

“This is true religion, this is true fasting. To share your food with the hungry, and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter.” - Isaiah 58:7

 

The boys are responsible for raising $26k for the cost of the home materials (inside and out). If you feel called to donate to their mission, please use the link below:

 

Your support will leave an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals and families.