Rebuilding

This is an area in the outskirts of Tijuana where people come and squat on the land.  They come with the hope of crossing the border, starting new, and being free.  They find they have to live in the desert areas with no electricity or water to start.  Eventually, the government comes in and run the power lines, and then long after that they get water.

This encampment is known as Antorcha Campesina in the Terrazas area.  In early November a fire started in one of the homes.  It was innocent - a mother was fixing breakfast for her children; it was cold.  She left the stove on and the wind blew the drape across the stove.  38 homes burned down as a result.  233 people where left with nothing but their lives.  These people really had nothing by our standards.  Their homes were made from old garage doors and scrap wood; whatever was laying around.  Now, nothing but the clothes on their backs.

We visited the area a week or so after the fire.  The government had come by.  They rebuilt 3 homes. Had their pictures taken. Then, left.  Their work was done. 

And so, I took a series of photos for my church so we could figure out the best way to help.  Some of the pictures are of the remains, some of the children and some of those who are trying desperately just to get through this all.  The man with the hat photo I posted is one of the people who lost everything.  This photo I think is a hopeful one.  The group is working together to get a house rebuilt.

I hope you like the series.