Teton Habitat Launches Five-Year International Partnership in Sister City of Tlaxcala, Mexico
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Teton Area (Teton Habitat) recently returned from its first Global Village build in Tlaxcala, Mexico, marking the beginning of a new five-year partnership with Habitat for Humanity Mexico.
The weeklong volunteer trip, which took place from April 26 through May 2, brought a team of Teton Habitat volunteers to the Mexican state of Tlaxcala, Jackson’s official sister city. Together, the group partnered with local organizations, government agencies, and community members on projects focused on housing, infrastructure, and neighborhood wellbeing.
The trip marks the beginning of a long-term commitment between the two Habitat affiliates, one designed not only to support safe and affordable housing, but also to strengthen relationships between communities through cultural exchange, collaboration, and shared learning.
“Establishing this partnership between Habitat affiliates and sister cities allows us to improve homes while also strengthening connections between cultures, communities, and organizations,” said Augusta Friendsmith, Global Village Trip Leader. “This trip felt like the beginning of something much bigger, and our team returned inspired by the relationships we built and the opportunity to continue growing this partnership over the next five years.”
During the trip, volunteers participated in a range of community-focused initiatives. On the first day, the group toured a local water treatment facility that provides clean water access to new homes in the region, highlighting the connection between housing and essential infrastructure. Volunteers also joined a river cleanup effort alongside 10 local organizations and government partners before spending two days pouring concrete floors for four homes as part of Habitat International’s broader 100,000 Floors to Play On initiative.
The initiative addresses one of the most urgent housing needs in many Latin American communities: replacing dirt floors with safe concrete flooring that improves sanitation, health outcomes, and overall quality of life.
Teton Habitat has participated in Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village program since 2010, though international builds paused during the COVID-19 pandemic before relaunching in 2024. Through the program, Habitat affiliates and volunteers work alongside local communities around the world to support housing initiatives identified and led by those communities. As part of Habitat for Humanity’s international model, U.S. affiliates contribute a portion of designated funds to support global housing efforts.
“This partnership reflects the idea that both housing challenges and solutions connect communities across borders,” said Jason Bruni, Development Manager for Teton Habitat. “We’re proud to support Habitat Mexico by showing up in person, learning from one another, and building relationships that strengthen both communities. We hope this inspires more people locally to get involved, whether through volunteering, traveling on a future build, or supporting Teton Habitat’s work here at home.”
Teton Habitat plans to continue annual Global Village trips to Tlaxcala during the April/May shoulder season over the next five years. Future volunteer opportunities are already being planned. Volunteers have opportunities to fundraise the cost of their trip.
Community members interested in joining a future Global Village build or learning more about Teton Habitat’s work can contact Augusta Friendsmith at Augusta.friendsmith@gmail.com.
About Teton Habitat
Teton Habitat empowers families through homeownership, enabling them to pass their homes down to future generations. Habitat’s integrated approach provides families with stable, permanent housing and helps build long-term financial stability, distinguishing Teton Habitat as a leader in sustainable community development. Teton Habitat is the only housing nonprofit in Teton County that takes care of every step in the process, from building homes to originating 0%, 30-year fixed-rate loans, with no money down. Teton Habitat educates new homeowners through approximately 26 hours of homebuyer education classes, guiding them through every step of the process. Over the last 30-years, no Teton Habitat family has ever defaulted on their mortgage. To learn more, visit tetonhabitat.org.
Media Contact Information
Jason Bruni
Development Manager
Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Teton Area
307-734-0828
