Joel Vendette - Born To Talk

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Thank you Joel Vendette, Executive Director for Home for a Home, for joining me on The Born To Talk Radio Show Podcast.

Meet Joel.

Joel has been a Realtor® for over 11 years, serving the Los Angeles and Coachella Valley areas. He became a member with Home for a Home in 2015 and currently serves as the Executive Director. Before becoming a Realtor®, Joel earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Boston University. He went on to work as a Graphic Designer and Art Director for various publishers and within the government. The change in careers came from wanting to work with people in a direct and personal way.

Home for a Home.

Home for a Home, founded in 2012, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization driven by the belief that a safe, solid home can be the catalyst to dramatic and positive change in people’s lives. Their mission is building better futures, one home at a time. They do so by providing housing and support for the underserved families in Guatemala to empower them to break free from the cycle of poverty.

Why Guatemala?

Over 1 million people live below the poverty line. 52% of the country’s population lives on less than $2.00 a day. 3.5 million people do not have access to clean water and basic sanitation. Over 1 million people live in inadequate housing with dirt floors. Of these, many live in huts with plastic or metal roofs and corn stalks for walls. They have the worst air quality in Central America. That’s where Home for a Home has stepped in to make a difference.

Home for a Home solutions include:

Building earthquake safe homes made of concrete block and rebar with concrete floors that are secure and warm. They also reduce parasitic infestations. Because most families do not have running water, flushing toilets is another problem. Home for a Home has come up with alternative solutions. They are also using water filters for safe drinkable water, reducing bacteria by almost 100%. Now homes are being built with clean burning stoves designed specifically for Guatemalan cooking styles.

Joel’s Takeaways.

“Home” can mean so many different things, from family, pride and dignity, to community, safety, and more. That’s what I love about Home for a Home. For what many of us view as not much money, we can make a lasting impact on entire family for generations to come.”

“When we take a moment to reflect on the world we live in and that we want to leave behind, I believe helping others is at the top of most people’s list. We have the opportunity to make an impact on people. This can be whether it’s next door to someone we may never meet in a place we may never visit.”

“I am so proud to be a part of Home for a Home, knowing that we are working to make this a world a better place. What does “home” mean to you?”