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Missions

Operación Abrigo Mexico Mission Trip

Operación Abrigo was founded in 1996 by Rev. Jose Luis Portillo in Tierra Nueva, Mexico. Since then, over 7,000 homes, two churches, a medical clinic, and a vocational school have been built to serve the poorer communities outside of Juarez, Mexico. The houses, built of cinderblock, measure 12′ by 24′ and have a cement floor. Each team is aided by maestros, who show the team how to mix the mortar and cement and lay the blocks. The family, when able, often helps the team with the building of their new home. At the end of the week, the team and family participate in a house dedication.

Mission Trip Details

A large group of adults, youth, and kids from University Park UMC travels to Juarez, Mexico for 4 days every Spring Break to build homes for families who are living without adequate shelter. We partner with Proyecto Abrigo (Project Shelter) which has been serving in this community since 1996 and has built more than 7,000 homes. 

  • 2023 Dates: March 11-14, 2023
  • Travel to and from El Paso: Each participant is responsible for their travel to and from El Paso. Many will travel on recommended flights through Southwestern Airlines.

  • Cost: $200 per person (covers room and board, ground transportation, extra maestro at each work site, and a portion of the building materials). Payable by check to UPUMC or online at www.upumc.org/give

  • Accommodations: The group stays in bunk-style dormitories inside the locked Proyecto Abrigo center and all meals are provided.  

  • Building Projects: The cinder block and cement homes are built entirely over the course of 4 days.  Each team is aided by maestros, who show the team how to mix the mortar and cement and lay the blocks. The family, when able, often helps the team with the building of their new home. At the end of the week, the team and family participate in a house dedication. 

  • Team Preparations: The team will be blessed and sent with the church's commissioning at the 11 a.m. worship on the Sunday prior to departure. There is also a team meeting and discussion the week before Spring Break.

  • Contact: Team Leader Alan Hamilton, alan@dallascitycenter.com. Contact Alan if you would like to participate in the Proyecto Abrigo trip! 

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