Will I get the Swine Flu if I come on the trip?
We recommend that you monitor the web sites of the CDC, WHO and any others that you trust for health information. You can see that the CDC and WHO have removed their travel restrictions to Mexico. http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx. 
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/guidance/public_health/travel_advice/en/index.html

I have heard that Tijuana is violent; will I be in danger if I come on this trip?
Most of our volunteers have commented that when they arrived in Tijuana they found it tranquil, safe and nothing like they expected. We have had 23 build trips over the past eight years without incident. Nevertheless we take precautions by staying in a secured compound, always traveling in a group and we are never more than 45 minutes from the U.S. border.

Will the food and water I consume on the trip make me sick?
We make our own meals or use local caterers and restaurants that we are familiar with. All of our water is purified.  If that still makes you uncomfortable we will gladly arrange for all of your food to be purchased in San Diego before we cross the border so you can make your own meals while we are in Mexico.

What I.D. and other documentation do I need to re-enter the U.S.?
A valid passport. For more information see the U.S. Customs & Border Protection website
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/land_travel/

Do I have to have any special skills in order to come on a trip?
Nope!  Your good attitude will guarantee that you will be invaluable on the trip.

How much does the trip cost?
Cost is $500 per person, Half of this fee covers room and board while in Mexico, insurance and transportation between San Diego and Mexico. The other half pays for the building materials for the home. You can fundraise for part or all of this money.  In addition, you will need to purchase round-trip airfare to/from San Diego, CA.

How long is the trip?
6 days long. For instance on our winter trip you arrive by 1 p.m. on December 26th and leave after 2 p.m. on the 31st.  Normally a group of us will stay and play in San Diego on New Year’s Eve and leave the next day

What do I need to bring?
Here is a complete list of what you will need.

Do I fly into Mexico?
No.  You fly into San Diego airport.  We then drive to our lodging site, City of Angels Orphanage via rental vans.  It is about a one hour drive from the airport to the orphanage in Mexico.

How do I sign up?
Follow the instructions on the sign up page and please send an e-mail to onesmallhouse@gmail.com to introduce yourself.

Where does my drinking water come from in Mexico?
One Small House provides all the purified drinking water that you will need.

How does One Small House select the families that receive the houses?
Prior to every build a representative from One Small House along with a community leader will tour the needy areas of Tijuana. We then select families that are living in poor conditions, able to show proof that they own their land, and have a desire to work with us to build their home.

How much does each house cost?
The house and latrine cost about $7,000 in materials and labor.

Where does the money to pay for the houses come from?
From You!  Generous companies and individuals such as yourself donate all funds necessary for purchasing the materials and labor for the houses and latrines.  All donations are 100% tax deductible. One Small House will not take any of the donations for administrative or fundraising expenses. So if you donate one dollar every penny of that will go into the house we build.

Can I help even if I don't go on the trip?
Yes you can!  You can make a donation online or via check or contact us with any ideas you have to help the poor.

How long does it take to build one house?
It takes about four days to build one house.  This may seem like a short amount of time but the houses are small and our leaders are very experienced in building them.

How many people does it take to build one house?
We generally have around 12 to 16 people per house.

How many houses does One Small House usually build each year and do they work on other projects?
In the past we have built from one to six houses per year. We also have done projects at a local school, City of Angel's orphanage and a hospice.

Will I be able to make phone calls or check my e-mail in Mexico?
Probably, depending on your coverage. Our lodging facility has wifi and normally a few of our volunteers will bring laptops and are willing to share.  There are also local internet cafes.

Can someone contact me while I'm in Mexico?
Yes, you may be contacted via email (preferred) or phone. This contact information will be distributed to the team before each trip.

Will I have to buy my own meals while I'm in Mexico?
No. The trip fee covers all your meals while in Mexico. If you have special dietary needs we will gladly accommodate.

Where do we stay in Mexico?
Your accommodations will be at the rustic City of Angels orphanage in La Gloria (a suburb of Tijuana). The base for many humanitarian outreach groups in Baja California.  The facility has an eating and communal area, dorms with bunk beds, bathrooms and showers.   This also gives us the opportunity to interact with the children who live there.  Their website is www.tjkids.org

Where do we build in Mexico?
We build throughout the expansive Tijuana area.  Our favorite spot to build is about 15 minutes from the orphanage in La Gloria. Here is a Google map of the location.

Can I bring my family on the trip? Is it appropriate and safe for young children to go??
We have had many families come with us on trips in the past and they have found it to be a great alternative family vacation. There are a few ways for young children to participate in the trip especially if they like painting. We have had children as young as eleven come on the trip, but there is no minimum age as long as their parents are there to supervise.

Can teenagers go on the trip??
All volunteers under 18 years of age must have a parent or someone who agrees to be their legal guardian with them..