What is a Colonia?

I accidentally posted this on FinanceProfessor's blog last night...oops...

We will be working in Colonias and some volunteers did not know what a colonia is, so here you go.  I am sure you will see the need for help:


A Home in the Colonias | The New York Times



This video is about 5 years old, but it shows some the living conditions where we will be working in South Texas.    The New York Times


Here is some more:
Border Communities: The Case of Colonias in Texas by Cecilia Giusti

"Education levels are very low there. In El Cenizo, one established colonia in Webb County, only 15 per cent of people older than 25 are high-school graduates, a lower figure than the 76 per cent in the state of Texas and 80 per cent in the US as a whole. The median age of El Cenizo residents is 18.5, much younger than 32 years for Texas.  
Low income levels. Income levels are very low in these settlements. About 60 per cent of the colonia population lives below the official poverty line. In El Cenizo about 68 per cent are under the poverty threshold, much higher than in Texas (15 per cent) and the United States (12 per cent).
 
Incremental construction patterns. Construction in small steps is common. Colonia residents often work on their homes as schedules and finances permit. Houses are constantly improved and, as families grow, they expand accordingly. During construction, families continue to live in the houses and the building pace is generally slow."

I will update this more in the near future

Update:  Kristin sent the following:

Related articles

• Photos: A Look Into the Border Towns of South Texas (abcnews.go.com)
• A Home in the Colonias | The New York Times (financeprofessorblog.blogspot.com)