Giving Thanks and A Call to Action

Dear Casa Familiar Friends and Supporters, 

Happy holidays from all of us at Casa Familiar! As we reflect on the year, we are filled with gratitude for the many successes and milestones we’ve achieved, thanks to your unwavering support. Thanksgiving is a special time for me—it’s a reminder of the power of togetherness and the importance of taking action. In this season of giving, we are more mindful than ever of how kindness and generosity can shape the future. 

Looking Ahead: Our Strategy and Commitment to Community 

Recently, I’ve been asked about Casa’s strategy for the coming years: “What challenges do you foresee? And how will you address them?” 

While our strategy remains the same, it has taken on a sense of urgency. Casa Familiar is committed to building inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This means creating sustainable housing and infrastructure, expanding access to employment opportunities, fighting for environmental justice, and protecting residents from displacement. Our work is rooted in robust community engagement, advocacy, and developing spaces where people feel a true sense of belonging. 

Challenges Ahead and Our Vision for the Future 

We know challenges lie ahead as we continue to expand our work. In particular, we are focused on advancing the construction of the Climate Resiliency Center: La Semilla and developing 103 new homes as part of our Avanzando San Ysidro Community Land Trust. These homes will offer long-term homeownership opportunities for local families, with a model that allows the homes to convert to ownership in 15 years. While there will be hurdles, Casa Familiar is fully committed to seeing these projects through to success. When we do, we will celebrate these victories with our community—our partners, and you, our supporters. 

A Commitment to Serving Our Community 

As we move forward, we are determined to ensure that the essential services Casa provides—such as immigration assistance, financial literacy and assistance programs, transitional housing, and more than 30 bilingual community programs—continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve. Whether it’s through arts and culture initiatives, recreational programs, or community events, Casa is a place where all are welcome to celebrate. 

A Call to Action: Building a Just and Sustainable Future 

We believe that when families’ urgent needs—like affordable housing and financial stability—are met, they can begin to focus on what truly matters: creating healthy, just, and sustainable communities for all. It is through this collective action that we will reach our full potential, as individuals and as a community. 

In the spirit of the season, we invite you to join us in spreading acts of kindness. Kindness has a unique way of multiplying, and with your support, Casa Familiar will continue to uplift underserved communities. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, there are always opportunities for us to come together, show our support, and create lasting change. 

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we will continue to build a brighter, more inclusive future. 

With gratitude and solidarity, 

Lisa Cuestas 

CEO, Casa Familiar