Olathe man helps build homes in El Salvador

Leon Bauman of Olathe had built Habitat for Humanity homes before, but never in the conditions that he faced in the Central American country of El Salvador.

First, there was sweltering heat, humidity and the conditions of working in a high elevation. Added to that was the fact that he didn’t speak the language of the families he was working with.

But Bauman, a 15-year Olathe resident, quickly discovered a striking similarity between building homes for Salvadoran families and American families: both families want to earn their new homes. “Neither wants handouts,” he said. “They work hard to earn their homes.”

Bauman was selected along with 27 other Thrivent Financial representatives from throughout the United States to build homes Oct. 16-25 in a new community called “Villa Esperanza,” or Village of Hope.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has committed $1.3 million to the project, which will offer 75 families a home and access to basic services and a social infrastructure, including a community center and green areas. Thirty-five of the 75 homes have been completed.

The American team built homes with volunteers from a local Lutheran church and Habitat El Salvador partner families who will live in the community. The families apply for, purchase the homes and put in sweat equity before they can move in.

Bauman spent eight-hour days building 20-foot by 20-foot homes—about the size of a two-car garage. The homes have two bedrooms, a living room and kitchen. A sink and bathroom was included in a small room outside.

“They are small by our standards, but there’s a huge housing shortage there,” he said. “They estimate that 400,000 additional homes are needed. There is a huge need to increase the standard of housing.”

“We learned that eighty-five percent of the population makes less than $1,000 a month,” Bauman added.

During their free time, Bauman and the other volunteers attended a Lutheran church service, toured Mayan ruins and a coffee mill. “We also visited the city markets. Everyone was very nice, courteous and happy to see us.”

Bauman said he would recommend the experience to others.

Source: kansascity.com