History
Build A Miracle was formally established as a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation in 2001, but the true origin dates back to October 14, 1985, the day the founders, Chris and Julianne North, met while painting the dormitory of an orphanage and boys home in Tecate, Mexico. After witnessing the extreme cycle of poverty in Mexico, they were inspired to try to help. They decided to enlist the help of family and friends and committed to build one home per year for a family in need in Tijuana, Mexico.
What started as a commitment to build one house per year has grown into a grassroots organization where thousands of people have been empowered to break the cycle of poverty in their families. That’s what Build a Miracle is – a simple program that has grown because of the passion of its supporters and the incredible accomplishments of its beneficiaries.
The BAM community is built on families helping families. Families who want a new home help build other people’s homes in order to earn theirs. In this way, they become part of our community before their home is ever built. Our approach is multifaceted, focusing on basic needs through providing homes and food as well as on self-sufficiency through education, trade workshops, and business training/support. Since the first house in 1999, we have built over 500 homes, provided over 540 educational scholarships, and developed over 75 different classes and programs to benefit the people living in BAM houses and the community as a whole. At BAM, we work to lift people up – one community, one home, one family, one person, at a time.
We also built a Community Center where there are many resources, activities and educational opportunities for our families. These include youth, adult, and college education, computer training, trades, sewing, cosmetology, baking, nutrition, fitness, and dance classes, and small business training. There is also counseling, medical, dental, and other health resources, youth outreach programs, a playground, a sport court, a soccer field, a community park, and food resources, along with many celebrations and community events. These programs and classes are all developed, organized, and led by BAM community members. Up to 3,000 children and adults attend programs at the BAM Community Center every week.
Through BAM, many people have been empowered to become leaders in their own community. The leadership team is strong, well organized, and focused on building up the community. In addition to overseeing all of the Community Center programs, they develop new leaders, create new programs based on the community’s needs and interests, and find new families in need who want to become part of the BAM community.
