In October 2025, Cultural Care staff from Brazil, US, and Switzerland joined TETO Brasil to help complete seven emergency homes for families living in São Paulo’s favelas. The experience gave our team a closer look at the challenges these families face and the difference a safe, stable home can make in their daily lives.

But the need for safe housing extends beyond the families we supported last year. Many families living in São Paulo’s most vulnerable communities continue to live in makeshift structures made from tarps and scrap wood, without reliable access to sanitation, clean water, or safe electricity. Children and single mothers are among those living in these conditions.

In 2026, we’re continuing our partnership with TETO Brasil through a new Kids First grant that will fund 12 more homes with bathrooms.

The Project

The grant will support 12 more families in building a more stable place to call home. Each home is approximately 18–21m², can be built in just two days, and is designed to last for more than 10 years. Families can also choose to work alongside volunteers during construction, giving them an opportunity to take part in building their new homes.

A new home won’t change all of the challenges these families face, but it can provide a safer and more stable place to live. For children, that stability can make everyday life a little easier and give them more space to focus on learning, growing, and being kids.

We’re looking forward to having Cultural Care Au Pair volunteers help with the final touches on these homes in December 2026.