Annual Report for 2007 Project Mercy is proud to report that in 2007 we built an amazing 106 homes for destitute families of Eastern Tijuana. There is a huge number of families living in dreadfully impoverished conditions; dirt floors, roofs that leak, and rickety walls. In the summer they are assailed by hot dusty winds. In the winter, the cold and rain permeate their dwellings, and always, there are the vermin. Project Mercy strives to give these families a chance to better their lives with the provision of basic, solid little houses and a sanitary outhouse latrine. Our thanks go out to the many groups and individuals who helped make these efforts a reality in 2007: A variety of Rotary and Church groups as well as some of our regular volunteers. (Mike and Don Meziere, Chris Malek, Dennis Cramer, Rich Boudreau and Joe Scott). Companies involved in the Baja Challenge 2007 event, when an incredible 52 homes were built in one day. Baja Challenge is conducted by members of San Diego's Real Estate/Building and related industries. Klemmer and Associate volunteers, who always perform miracle tasks to help the local communities, were responsible for building seventeen homes. Two houses were made with garage door walls to help families who did not have land of their own, but were allotted space on the land of relatives to build a home. Klemmer and Associates also started the construction of a School Auditorium for the local primary school, it is a large project that was architecturally designed and executed through the technical direction of Board Member Milton Costello. The auditorium is scheduled to be completed through the February 2008 volunteer efforts of Klemmer “Heart” participants. Klemmer volunteers also painted the school, built houses, laid foundation slabs and built outhouses. Eighty-five outhouse latrines were built in 2007, the most ever accomplished. Sanitation is an acute need in these areas where there is no drainage or sewage lines. We thank all those who have assisted the organization in funding latrines for so many families this past year. We hope to build more in 2008. Milton Costello is completing a bathroom for the Daycare Center in Lomas del Valle, where kindergarten classes are also now being held and daycare supervision is available 24 hours a day, five days a week. 2008 Construction Schedule Project Mercy volunteers meet at the Otay Mesa Border McDonald's at 7:00am on the day of construction, unless otherwise stated. Take the 805 south to the 905 east, take the 905 east and then south (same road) past Airway Road. Immediately after passing the traffic lights there is a sign on the right for Siempre Viva Road exit. Exit to the right and take the left lane: the Siempre Viva Road East fork in the road. This will take you under the bridge and around back over it to McDonald's. Note that you cannot leave your car at McDonald's: either carpool from your destination, drive your car into Mexico or arrive early to find parking elsewhere. Both weather permitting and skilled volunteers are needed these dates: January 12 - University Christian Church and regular volunteers will each build one home. February 23 - Klemmer "Heart" volunteer day. March 15 - Encinitas Rotary and Interact Club, led by Alfredo d'Escragnolle. March 29 - Fullerton First Christian Church, led by Mike Meziere. April 5 - Bishop schools led by Alfredo d'Escragnolle. April 12 - Vicky Kearn, family and friends, led by Chris Malek and team. April 12 - "Wild at Heart" men's group. April 12-13 - University Christian Churcn. April 26 - Carlsbad High Noon Rotary, led by Don Meziere. May 17 - Church of the Valley, Home Church of Van Nuys. May 24 - Encinitas Rotary, La Jolla Interact Club. May 31 - All Hallows Catholic Church. June 7 - LSD Church of North County. June 21 - Klemmer and Associates bring their wonderful "Heart" volunteers. September 21 - Baja Challenge 2008 Skilled labor is still much in need to assist some of the Rotary Clubs, please call or email us if you are free. The cost of one home in 2008 will be $3,750. A house and latrine will be $4,500.