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).
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.
Our trips generally commence in either San Diego, CA or Vancouver, BC (with the exception of our private charters where there are no limitations)
There are two types of accommodations on our Mexico trip: camping in tents or staying in our hospitality house. Both are dependent on your personal preference, the size of your team and the time of year that you visit. If you are camping, Hero Holiday can provide tents, but you must pack a pillow, sleeping bag, and a ground roll. Each site has hot showers, flushing toilets, electricity, and a fun and safe place to hangout and get to know others on your trip. 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.
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.
Trip Dates and Applications
| Date of Trip | Description | Deadline | Price** |
| March 15-24, 2010 | Spring Break Trip | Dec 15, 2009 | $1,235 |
| Aug 1-10, 2010 | Summer Trip #1 | Apr 15, 2010 | $1,235 |
| Aug 15-28, 2010 | Summer Trip #2 | Apr 15, 2010 | $1,535 |
| July 31-Aug 27, 2010 | Intern Program | Jan 15, 2010 | $2,235 |
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.
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).
