Habitat for Humanity Mexico Visits Yuba-Sutter

This month, Habitat for Humanity Yuba-Sutter had the honor of welcoming a team from Habitat for Humanity Mexico for a powerful week of exchange, collaboration, and community.
Their visit was more than a tour. Together, we explored the full range of housing solutions our affiliate works on throughout Yuba and Sutter counties. The Habitat Mexico team toured our traditional homeownership projects, walked through our permanent supportive housing communities, and visited the emergency shelter we help support. These conversations opened up space to reflect not only on the challenges we each face, but also on the creative, locally focused solutions being developed across borders.
During their time in California, the team also traveled to San Francisco, where they met with Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco. That visit offered another valuable perspective on how affiliates in different regions address the need for affordable housing. The exchange of ideas and shared experiences helped deepen the team’s understanding of how Habitat’s core values are adapted across communities and sparked new conversations about what is possible.
A major highlight of the week was an inspiring presentation delivered by the Habitat Mexico team to a room full of regional Habitat staff, including team members from Habitat for Humanity of Butte County and Habitat for Humanity of Nevada County. The team shared details about the communities they serve, the conditions they navigate, and the innovative building techniques they have pioneered. Their ingenuity, compassion, and commitment to dignified housing left a lasting impression.
There was also time for hands-on collaboration. The Mexico team joined our staff and volunteers in building fencing and renovation work at the Life Advancement Center, our upcoming transitional shelter in Yuba City. The day was filled with shared effort, laughter, and a sense of purpose. It was a meaningful opportunity to build relationships while working side by side.
Cultural exchange was an important part of the experience as well. We shared meals, explored California landmarks, and connected not just as colleagues but as people who believe in the life-changing power of affordable housing. Before the trip came to a close, the group visited the redwoods, where they were able to take in the natural beauty of Northern California and reflect on the week.
To end the visit, we were proud to present the Habitat Mexico team with a donation to help fund the construction of a new home in the communities they serve. This gift was a small way to say thank you for the knowledge and passion they shared with us, and to continue supporting their work in a meaningful way.
This visit reminded us that the challenges we face in housing are not confined to one city, state, or country. When we come together, we become stronger. We were honored to learn from our partners at Habitat Mexico, and we look forward to the opportunities that continued collaboration will bring.