It began in 1972, when a group of Orange County residents began a ministry of traveling to the outskirts of Tijuana, Mexico, to assist low-income families through donations of food and blankets. They named it “Corazon,” and it soon grew into a home-building operation, all handled by volunteers.
The group designed its first “one-day house builds” in 1978. Though modestly priced and small, the shelters were safer and better than what the typical family there lived in. Homes were built by volunteers with their own tools. The enthusiasm of volunteers making the trip helped the program grow. Before long, the “Corazon House” was redesigned and was larger and had significant structural and quality improvements.
The Corazon program has the support of more than 300 sponsors, including churches, civic clubs, school groups, youth groups, families, individuals, and more.
Locally, the Southern Alameda Deanery, of which St. James’ is a part, has been participating in Corazon home-builds since 1993. Some churches in our deanery were doing separate home-builds before starting a combined deanery-build around 2011. Each year, the group of volunteers carpools down on a Friday, does the home-build on Saturday, and drives back on Sunday.
And you can join them!
In 2017, the team of 35-50 will be traveling June 23-25. Two of the dedicated local contacts are Rev. Mark Spaulding (Holy Cross, Castro Valley) and Deanery representative Jim Shiffer (St. Clare’s, Pleasanton). They will be among the many from our deanery parishes carpooling on June 23, spending Friday and Saturday nights at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Chula Vista. Most will then carpool back on Sunday, June 25. Those who want to attend should go to corazon.org and fill out a volunteer profile. Once it’s approved, you can then sign up for the June 24th build.
This program is structured much like Habitat for Humanity. Corazon offers an international outreach opportunity; many have never seen this kind of poverty before. Additionally, Corazon also allows teenagers the opportunity to build—Habitat for Humanity does not currently allow teens and children to actually build on a site. Children entering 6th grade in the fall of 2017 through adults are welcome to join the team. Children are welcome as long as they have a parent or guardian along. 
Organizers are quick to explain that no construction skills are necessary, all you need is a “willing and loving heart and a body ready to work and serve.”
Detailed information can be found on the Corazon website (corazon.org), or by contacting Rev. Mark Spaulding at Holy Cross (mark@holycrosscv.org). Cost of food on Friday/Saturday nights, and Saturday/Sunday mornings are covered (you are responsible for your meals while on the road). You’re welcome to help chip in for gas in the vehicle you’re riding in. In 2011-2016, no one had to pay anything out-of-pocket!
Rev. Mark Spaulding says, “Experience is a great teacher, probably the best way to learn about this mission outreach is to use the Jesus method, ‘come and see.’ My prayer is that folks will come with me and try it once. Almost everyone is jumping to go again the following year!”
Along with all of our deanery’s churches, St. James’ is being asked to financially support this ministry. Most churches donate between $1,200 – $1,500. If you would like to support Corazon but cannot join the home build trip, we welcome your donation made out to St. James’ with “Corazon” in the memo line.
Our deanery has long participated in the Corazon home-builds, and members and friends of St. James’ are encouraged to consider participating.
~ Meg & John Amouroux, St. James’ Deanery Representatives
Photos courtesy of Jim Shiffer, St.Clare’s Pleasanton