Fixing up the house

When we were fixing up our central premises, built in minga, we would look at the needs that arose and see how to improve them to make us feel more comfortable. Alfredo proposed, drew, took measurements. The rest of us gave our opinions. The master builders would say whether or not it was possible and suggest improvements to optimise space, save on materials, among other details.

After a while, we realised that, despite all our efforts, some spaces had to be improved or corrected, for example: reducing the height of the steps on some stairs, making it easier to get to the dining room if someone needs to use a wheelchair... Until we felt it in ourselves, we didn't see the need. If we already have an elderly parent who needs to be transported in a wheelchair, if our siblings had an accident and is forced to use canes, if we have some difficulty with our knees, then things change. Putting ourselves in the other person's shoes is always important to us.

We acknowledge the support of our volunteer colleague Nathalie Estrada, for the redesign of these spaces and for the coordination she made with the master builder.

Many thanks, also, to our colleagues from the central team for being attentive to the needs of our premises.