Dignity First
Partner families are owners and stakeholders from the moment they sign. Every aspect of our model – from planning to move-in – is designed around that commitment.
Our Story
Building Communities, Building Hope
Built On Dignity And Community
Cambiando Vidas was founded on a simple belief: a home is more than four walls — and the process of building one should reflect that.
In 1997, a community in the Dominican Republic came together to rebuild a neighbor's home after a fire. That act of generosity inspired José "Pepo" Abreu to create Cambiando Vidas. Since 2007, we've been making that belief real — working alongside communities and volunteers to help more than 100 families become homeowners.
Every build is a week-long effort. Volunteers and community members work side by side, completing a home together — and ending with a celebration dinner where the keys are handed to the family.
We're a lean 501(c)(3) — minimal overhead, maximum impact. Every dollar volunteers bring goes directly to the build or to supporting their time on the ground.
What We Believe
The Values That Shape Our Work.
These aren’t aspirations — they’re the principles baked into how we operate every trip, every partnership, every conversation.
Community First
Our local DR team leads every build. Volunteers are contributors, not directors. The community shapes the work — always. We’re guests in a place people call home.
Relationships Over Transactions
We build long-term partnerships with institutions, families, and communities — because lasting change takes time and trust.
Self-Sustaining Impact
Our community ownership model means every repayment funds the next home or community project. A single contribution doesn’t stop working after one house — it cycles forward indefinitely.
Honest Storytelling
We share families’ stories only with their consent and with care — impact should be communicated as honestly as it’s created.
Mutual Growth
Volunteers don’t just give — they learn. We design every trip so that the experience challenges, expands, and stays with people long after they come home.
The Build
Built With. Not For
A home is more than four walls. How it gets built matters just as much as what gets built — and that belief is at the center of everything we do.
Since 2007, we've worked alongside communities in the Dominican Republic to build homes that reflect dignity, partnership, and shared effort.
What makes a CV build:
- Community-led selection — Local leaders identify and select partner families, ensuring the process is rooted in the community from the start.
- Built to last — A sturdy two-bedroom home with a kitchen, living area, bathroom, and basic plumbing and electrical — completed in one week.
- Shared labor — Volunteers and community members build side by side. Trip funds cover materials; the work belongs to everyone.
- End-to-end coordination — Materials, equipment, masons, volunteers, and community members — all sequenced so the home is complete and the keys are handed over by week's end.
1350+
Volunteers Engaged
115+
Homes Built
100%
Community Ownership
18+
Years Building
The Team
The People Behind The Work
José “Pepo” Abreu
José leads all in-country operations and has been on the ground for every build since 2007. He built the relationships — with partner families, local teams, communities, volunteers, and institutions — that make the model work. Cambiando Vidas grew from his conviction that international service should be built on community ownership, shared work, and lasting partnership.
Laura Vasquez
Laura leads outreach, marketing, and partnership development — connecting high schools, universities, companies, and faith communities to CV and building the institutional relationships that bring groups to the DR.
Board of Directors
Six board members provide strategic oversight and organizational leadership, working in close partnership with José and Laura to support the mission.
Come And See The Work For Yourself.
The best way to understand what Cambiando Vidas is about isn’t to read about it — it’s to be part of a trip. Bring your institution, your team, or just your curiosity.
Get in Touch
