IN THE SHADOW OF THE DUMP: PUERTO VALLARTA
The edge of the dump outside Puerto Vallarta. Large black birds (buzzards?) wait to get their fill.
Typical dwelling below the dump.
This type of ramshackle construction is where many families lived until the New Beginnings organization began helping build concrete block houses.
Scene from the neighborhood.
Scenes below the dump.
Below the dump. Up on top, "pickers," men, women and young people, sort through the garbage hoping to find something to sell, use, or even eat.
Every Tuesday and Thursday, volunteers come to help the New Beginnings foundation serve hamburgers or hot dogs to the families living near the dump.
Chefs for the day!
More neighborhood scenes.
While the guys grill the burgers, the women chop onions and tomatoes for the salsa.
Getting everything ready for the assembly line. It's an efficient process, developed to feed up to 140 people.
Serving the family members.
Other volunteers bring games for the children to play while the food is cooking. This is sort of a picture version of Bingo using
stones for chips.
Child waiting.
Young mother with her newborn. This may be the only meat she gets in a week.
After lunch, some of the children paint, and some paint each other!
Janet Stevenson is teaching the women at the dump to make jewelry so they can help support their families. Their creations are sold at the Farmer's Market and several other venues in Puerto Vallarta.
Making necklaces after lunch.
Necklace in progress.
Finished necklaces.
Organizing and labeling the jewelry so each woman receives payment for her handiwork.
Great colors!
Though this work is new to them, the women are trying various styles.
Child caught unawares!
Much prettier when not eating a frisbee!
Pensive child.
Beauty everywhere.
I loved holding this baby so his mother could eat. What a sacrifice!
She rescued him before he could eat my necklace.
Despite the heat, the volunteer crew works on finishing another house.
All houses built by New Beginnings now have concrete floors. No more living
on mud during the rainy season.
Finishing the floor.
A new community center for church services and classes is underway.
Andy Stevenson, founder of New Beginnings, giving me a tour.
This will be the kitchen.
Stairs leading to classrooms above.
View of the dump from the roof.
More rooftop views.