Mexico

Vicente Guerrero is a rural agricultural town located four and a half hours south of San Diego, along the Pacific shoreline. In this community are many impoverished migrant workers, mostly from the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca (pronounced Wuhawka). Income is very sporadic and it is extremely difficult for these families to find any sense of financial stability. They often lack access to clean water, a stable food supply, and adequate housing (most homes are constructed of tin, cardboard, and tarpaulins). Our projects in Mexico are primarily house builds for families in desperate need. We have also helped to build two schools, a women’s co-operative (allowing them to provide for their families with dignity and to give back to the community), a medical clinic and other various community projects.
While joining us on Hero Holiday, you will also have the opportunity to experience some great adventures such as climbing an old volcano, clamming on the beach and getting rich on sand dollars, and ocean sports (which are available in the warmer months).
Media
Trip Dates and Applications
| Type | Trip Date | Registration Deadline | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas - MX 2011 | public | Dec 27, 2011 to Jan 5, 2012 | 2011-10-31 | Details |
| Carson Graham - Mar 2012 - MX | private | Mar 8, 2012 to Mar 17, 2012 | 2011-12-23 | Details |
| Penticton Youth - MX 2012 | private | Mar 17, 2012 to Apr 30, 2012 | 2012-02-26 | Details |
| Emmanuel Baptist Church 2012 | private | Mar 24, 2012 to Apr 2, 2012 | 2012-02-24 | Details |
| BC Campus Ministries - MX 2012 | private | Apr 28, 2012 to May 6, 2012 | 2012-04-26 | Details |
| Bawol Mexico Hero Holiday | private | May 6, 2012 to May 12, 2012 | 2012-04-27 | Details |
| Grace Baptist Church - 2012 | private | Jul 13, 2012 to Jul 24, 2012 | 2012-02-15 | Details |
| Summer Internship - MX 2012 | internship | Jul 31, 2012 to Aug 25, 2012 | 2012-06-01 | Details |
| Summer trip 1 - MX 2012 | public | Aug 1, 2012 to Aug 10, 2012 | 2012-06-01 | Details |
| Summer trip 2 - MX 2012 | public | Aug 16, 2012 to Aug 25, 2012 | 2012-06-01 | Details |
| Mexico Christmas 2012 | public | Dec 27, 2012 to Jan 5, 2013 | 2012-10-31 | Details |
Payment and Donation Log - Must accompany all payments and donations.
*Prices listed may be subject to extra fees. See application for full pricing and package details.
**Dates subject to airline availability
Projects
We work hard to build a relationship of trust and equality in each of the communities that we are a part of. Each person is treated with dignity and respect - that is why we do what we do! To date, with the help of hundreds of high school students, teachers, groups and families we have completed over 85 projects in the Vicente Guerrero area. We have an application process for individuals, families and/or communities to apply for specific projects. With the help of community leaders and the local government, we take each application through an extensive approval process to ensure that our efforts are going to direct needs and will have the greatest impact possible.When you show up to the work site on the first day, there will be a concrete pad already poured and this will provide the foundation for what you are about to build on. By the time you leave to go home, you will have completely finished and furnished a house, helping to change the future for a family for generations to come. Often, the receiving family also works alongside of our participants, helping to build their house with their own hands and effort.
Each house we build is a simple 20' X 22' wood structure with no electricity or running water, as there is very rarely access to either one. When needed, we will also provide a baño (outhouse) for the family and occasionally an outside shower as well. The inside of the houses are usually divided into two or three bedrooms, with a larger open kitchen area with a simple kitchen counter and some shelving in each bedroom.
Itinerary
Our trips generally commence in either San Diego, CA or Vancouver, BC (with the exception of our private charters where there are no limitations)
Accomodations
While in Mexico you will be staying at our hospitality house. There are also a few private rooms available upon request and priority will be given to those with special needs.While in Mexico you will experience a wide variety of food. We serve a balance of familiar North American food along with a cultural experience of some special Mexican meals and treats! All meals are carefully prepared and are full of nutrition. We do our best to cater to specific dietary restrictions, so please inform us of any restrictions you have at your time of application.
Staff / Security
Mexico is our only destination where we have our own base on the ground. We have staff who live there year round and have had a constant community presence for several years now. Our community partnerships and relationships are built on mutual trust and respect. We feel privileged to be welcomed into their community and to be an active part of it.Before a Hero Holiday begins, all parents are given contact numbers and emails for Hero Holiday Trip Host(s). We are available at any time for parental concerns or emergencies. Our staff also works hard to keep families and friends back home updated on a daily basis with stories and pictures on our website and facebook of what is happening with each particular group.
All of our Hero Holiday staff are experienced professionals in each area they facilitate. We have Professional Drivers, Builders, Youth Workers, Cultural Specialists, Logistic Coordinators, Cooks (when needed), Interpreters and experienced Ground Staff. All of our staff are very passionate about what we do and we believe that we all have a responsibility to help those in need and to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. Hero Holiday maintains excellent community relations and works diligently alongside of community leaders, other NGO's working in the area, and often government officials in each country that we work in. Safety is always our number one priority. All of our key staff are first aid certified and we always have access available to quality medical attention (if needed) in all countries that we work in.
Participant Quotes:
"Everything about this trip is truly life changing. From the bus ride, camping, meeting everyone on the team, having my past way of thinking challenged, creating a home, the food, the beach and the Hero Holiday staff has affected me in ways I never thought possible. I love Mexico and I think Hero Holiday is something everyone should see and be a part of at least once!" ~ Tya, a 2009 participant
