On September 18^th Mariann Contreras , Edwards Ochao (Pato) Contreras and Stan Ingman met to discuss various items that Mujeres Vigilantes, COFIMICH and FWOP need to consider in building more livable, strong, and sustainable neighborhoods for low income families.

The highlight of our meeting was a visit to some 50 houses under contruction in Sahuayo. The plan is to build 150 houses at this location. Houses measures 7 x 20 meters, have three bedrooms, one bath room and one common living area. At this stage our team also has houses under construction in Zimapan, State of Hidalgo (200) and Sahuayo . Go to www.remuni.org to view a YouTube or click on Mujeres Vigilantes logo on our sponsorship list.

Below you have a photo of Stan, Mariann, Celia (Pato’s wife) , and Pato with children and grandchildren from both families. People are looking at the roof and as you may know families can add a second floor to their house if funds become available.

Citizens must fund street lights. While in Guadalajara Ingman met with Solar Technology ( www.solartechnology.com.mx) to explore the best options to solve this issue. In addition, Syl Flores contacted a solar panel company in Ripley, Ohio to find out if they might have a good solution at a good price. Tom Benjamin is also working on the issue in Virginia. Walmart has a solar flood light that could be another solution.

We are now discussing in more detail how we develop this neighborhood to create a self-managed liveable neighborhood. What committees, what educational programs do we bring to the site, and what links to alternative employment do we create nearby?