One Small House (OSH) is a licensed non-profit founded by Dr. Robert Katz in 2001. Since its inception, it has remained focused on a simple mission: Make a difference and have fun. With this constantly at the forefront of thought, One Small House has spent the past ten years working in rural Mexico building homes for needy families. Beyond the thirty plus homes it has constructed, OSH has also built a hospice and most recently Casa de Salud, a community health center in Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico.
OSH has made an incredible difference on the impoverished communities with which it has worked. And none of this would be possible without its incredible donor support. As an organization run entirely by volunteers, it relies on the generosity of people who recognize a need and support its approach.
Because OSH is such a small, intimate organization their approach is malleable and can be catered to individual circumstances. With this in mind, it begins every project by utilizing the support of local community members within the areas it plans on working. First, the neediest families are identified. These families are hard-working, own their own land but cannot afford a home beyond their dilapidated shacks. Often, these families have small children who are forced to sleep on the floor underneath a leaky roof and broken walls. Next, a family will be featured on our website to allow viewers to get a personal glimpse of the people we are trying to help. Thanks to the support of people who recognize the need, money is slowly raised to build the respective family a new, small house. Within a few months, a team of volunteers is assembled, the supplies are purchased and work begins. The construction lasts less than a week and it also employs local experts to guide our work. This is to ensure an ongoing relationship with the community and a way to help stimulate the local economy. At the conclusion of the trip, the keys are handed over to the family and they will forever have their own home.