Habitat for Humanity (HFH) Guatemala facilitates access to adequate housing for families of limited resources by offering non-profit loans to build a new house or improve the home in which they are already living.

HFH Guatemala was founded in 1979, three years after a devastating earthquake ripped across the country. Originally founded by a small group of caring and enthusiastic individuals, HFH Guatemala has since helped approximately 151,000 people in Guatemala live safer, healthier lives in their own homes. This work is the result of the collaboration and contribution between the staff, local and international volunteers, donors, and tithe partners who have blessed us with their support throughout these last 30 years.

HFH Guatemala History

The first home built by HFH Guatemala was dedicated on March 3rd, 1980 for the family of Francisco Mendoza in Aguacatán, Huehuetenango. Francisco still has his Habitat home.

After building about 160 homes in the department of Huehuetenango, local interest prompted the opening of other affiliates, in the departments (geographical states) of Retalhuleu and Sololá. Shortly thereafter, HFH Guatemala opened a national office in Quetzaltenango to support and organize the work of its affiliates and encourage the growth of the organization across Guatemala. To date HFH Guatemala has 17 offices that cover all 22 geographical departments.

HFH Guatemala Milestones

• 1979 HFH Guatemala founded.
• 1980 The first Habitat home is built in Aguacatán, Huehuetenango for Francisco Mendoza and his family.
• 1993 Government Agreement 425-93 recognizes and legalizes Habitat for Humanity Guatemala as a national non-profit organization.
• 1994, House 1,000 is dedicated in Cantel, Quetzaltenango.
• 1998, Affiliate Quetzaltenango House 1,000 is dedicated with the event “Building on Faith”, building 25 houses with the participation of Millard Fuller.
• 1999, House 5,000 is dedicated in the department of Salamá, Baja Verapaz.
• 2000, The capital campaign, “More than Houses” starts, with the goal to build 25,000 houses by 2007.
• 2001, House 10,000 is dedicated in El Rosario, Retalhuleu.
• 2003, House 15,000 is dedicated in Santa Cruz Balanyá, Chimaltenango.
• 2006, HFH Guatemala celebrates its 27th anniversary with 17 affiliates and construction in all 22 departments of the country.
• 2007, HFH Guatemala reaches the its goal of 25,000 families served and House 25,000 is dedicated in Teculután, Zacapa.
• 2008, Habitat International House 300,001 is built in Cabañas, Zacapa.
• 2009, In May, Home 30,000 is dedicated in Sigüilá, Quetzaltenango.

HFH Guatemala has built 10% of all Habitat for Humanity houses in the world, thanks to the dedicated volunteers, donors, and staff who share our vision of reducing the housing deficit in Guatemala.