Hands That Build, Hearts That Give USHCA Donates Life-Saving Supplies to Saltillo

The US Hispanic Contractors Association has a history of extending their mission of service beyond the frames of the construction industry, offering support to the community in more ways than one. Recently the USHCA took this vision beyond international borders, traveling to Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, to donate much needed firefighting and medical supplies to local first responders and health providers. In this powerful display of community support, the USHCA strengthened not only the community, but the international relations between Austin, Texas and its Sister City, Saltillo. 

Why Saltillo?

Saltillo is Austin’s oldest Sister City, since 1968, and was the capital when Texas belonged to the Mexican state Coahuila, before Austin became the capital of the Republic of Texas. Our Sister City, Saltillo, is a rapidly growing, industrious city with incredible leaders that desire the best for their people. The USHCA has been successfully developing international relationships with these leaders over the past year, and the opportunities to help each other have become evidently infinite. A need was identified within these important conversations, and the USHCA saw an opportunity to make a real difference and answered the call with action. The effort was only made possible through these partnerships, generous contributions from our members and sponsors, and an unfailing dedication from leaders on both sides of the border determined to better their communities. 

Leading up to the event in which the donations would be presented, the USCHA team had the privilege of visiting the underserved communities in the area that would be positively impacted by the ongoing donations from our association. This included visits to local community centers, which were lively and filled with enthusiasm as attendees participated in classes offered there, ranging from dance to haircut classes. One thing was apparent, and it was the impact that these centers had on the community. The locals who attend these classes and services looked excited to be there and it was evident that it was something they looked forward to. There was also a strong sense of community, as everyone came together after the dance class to share a meal and snacks. People were quick to become friends and were very open to creating an environment that fostered deep connections. 

The USHCA team was invited into the home of a local resident in one of these neighborhoods. Although living humbly, the smile that graced this mother’s face was radiating so profoundly that anyone who bore witness to it might suddenly understand that joy isn’t found in money, possessions, or the quality of one’s home. Her smile told of the gratitude within her heart, not only for the donations, but for her children, and life itself. Her joy was contagious, as she gave our team a tour of her home. By the end of that visit, there was a sense of meaning behind the work the association is doing abroad, simply by seeing how the work impacts real people, in ways that our members may underestimate. It was a humbling experience, yet a truly remarkable opportunity to connect with the community that the USHCA is helping to strengthen abroad. 

The day that the donations were presented reflected how big of an impact these donations would have on the local community. The Mayor of Saltillo spoke very highly of our Chairman Frank Fuentes, the association and its work to date, before a large panel of media reporters and local supporters who came to witness the presentation of the donations. It was a beautiful celebration of a merging of two sisters and a partnership that extends beyond construction and politics. This is a union that is centered around serving the people that make up these cities and that was very clear at this event. The donations included firefighting gear, medical supplies and safety equipment, equivalent to over 100 thousand dollars, all items that will immediately and directly improve emergency response and healthcare in the area. The medical providers that were there to receive the donations were beaming with enthusiasm and joyously accepted the supplies. The Fire Chief and his team were also extremely appreciative. As soon as the event was concluded, the firefighters could be seen loading the supplies into their truck as they prepared to go up into the mountain to immediately put the equipment to use to fight a fire that had been raging that day. The air had been filled with smoke that day from the fire that they were now about to go fight with the equipment that traveled miles for them. 

In the words of our Chairman, Frank Fuentes, “We are here forming a family, and when we are family, we help each other.” The success of this event was a culmination of the efforts of many generous individuals; a special thank you to Gaby Montemayor, for her excellent event coordination, Saltillo Mayor Javier Diaz Gonzalez and his team, as well as our members who facilitated the donations. 

Our mission of service continues to extend beyond the construction site - and beyond borders. This trip to Saltillo demonstrates how the USHCA is committed to building more than structures, we build hope. There is strength in service and power in partnership, and giving back will always be our strongest foundation.