At Stray Dog Designs, our commitment to social responsibility and handmade craftsmanship extends beyond our products. For the past few years, we've proudly donated part of our sales to Casita Linda, a remarkable non-profit organization in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, dedicated to transforming lives and making a sustainable impact by building homes for families in need.
About Casita Linda
Founded in 2001, Casita Linda—which translates to "pretty little house"—has been on a mission to provide safe, dignified, and empowering environments for families living in extreme poverty. By constructing sturdy, adobe brick homes, they offer not just shelter but a foundation for hope and a brighter future.
Our Partnership
In 2022, we announced our support for Casita Linda, aligning with our belief that everyone deserves a safe and cozy place to call home. Our contributions have been part of our broader commitment to give back to the communities that inspire and create our designs.
A Visit to San Miguel de Allende
We had the profound privilege of visiting San Miguel de Allende to see firsthand the impact of our donations. Standing before a newly constructed home, built with the funds from our 2023 and 2024 contributions, was an emotional and affirming experience.
We had the honor of meeting the Vazquez-Ramirez family, who now have a safe and stable place to call home thanks to Casita Linda’s efforts. Juan, a bricklayer, and Joana, a dedicated mother, live with their two sons—Brayan (8) and Juan Jesus (2)—with a third child on the way. Prior to receiving their Casita Linda home, the family lived in a single room, sharing beds, with an outdoor kitchen made of reeds and no bathroom facilities of their own.
It was deeply moving to meet them, hear about their lives, and witness the real, tangible change that a safe home can bring. During our visit, we saw the construction progress, met their children, and talked with the team about the building process and broader mission.
The Broader Impact
Casita Linda's work goes beyond just building houses. They offer workshops on health, family planning, communication skills, and water conservation, ensuring that families have the tools to thrive in their new environments. To date, they have constructed over 150 homes across various communities, each one a testament to the power of compassion and community support. Learn more about their programs.
The Finished Project!
Our journey with Casita Linda is far from over. It has been a gift and joy to support this organization and we remain dedicated to supporting their endeavors and look forward to collaborating on future projects. We got the opportunity to be a part of the journey every step of the way. The family is so lovely and so deserving. We wish them the greatest of new beginnings in their new home.
Every purchase you made with Stray Dog Designs over the last couple years has contributed to this cause, helping to build not just homes but futures filled with hope and possibility!
Join Us
We invite you to learn more about Casita Linda and consider how you might get involved. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every action makes a difference. Together, we can continue to build dreams, one "pretty little house" at a time.
For more information, visit Casita Linda's official website, follow their journey on Instagram, or view our full photo gallery from the build.
Watch this video to see Casita Linda's impact firsthand.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey and for supporting initiatives that make the world a brighter place.
