Housing is a human right.

According to the United Nations, the right to adequate housing is a fundamental human right, essential for health, safety, dignity, and a decent standard of living.

In Tijuana, more than 30% of the population lives in poverty. Thousands of children grow up without stable housing, running water, or even basic necessities like a toothbrush. For many families, a safe home is the foundation that allows education, health, and opportunity to flourish.

ACTUM Giving has partnered with Casas de Luz, a San Diego–based nonprofit building homes for families in Tijuana, for several years. Casas has been transforming communities for over 20 years through safe, sustainable housing.

This year, we officially launched the Kathy Faller Leadership Award: a $1,000 annual scholarship named in honor of Kathy Faller, the founder of Casas de Luz, recognizing her two decades of dedication to this mission. This scholarship directly supports the construction of a new home. Our long-term goal is to fund the cost of one full home build annually through this award.

Each home costs approximately $6,500 to build and is funded through community fundraising. Once funds are raised, the volunteer group travels to Tijuana, meets the family and community who will receive the home, and works together to build it. In just 48 hours, the house is constructed from the ground up, complete with furniture and essential household items.

This model not only provides safe shelter but also fosters community, dignity, and stability for generations to come.