However, in the United States at the moment, we have a crisis in housing affordability. Colonias then are a rational economic response to a very unaffordable housing market. Just like those who fled the expensive cities for a home of their own in the less-expensive suburbs following World War II, families come to El Cenizo for a home they can afford. Because most of those who move to El Cenizo are poor or of lower-income status, they choose to build their own homes. Thus, most houses are made of wood and are of poor quality.
Roofs tend to be made of shingles and sometimes leak.
Families may live in these houses before the houses are completed, as they build them. As can be seen from the above photos, the houses of most families who live in El Cenizo are small cuartitos . As families are able to save more money over time, they begin to add rooms to their homes. Many families will focus on improving the facade of the house, leaving the inside for later. Others will focus on finishing the inside and saving the exterior of the house for later.