Voluntariado de Comité Local

 

Mi nombre es Carmen, conocí Hábitat para la Humanidad Guatemala, hace 6 años, cuando necesitaba construir mi casa. En ese momento un miembro del Comité Local me ayudó y aconsejó, por medio de ellos pude construir mi casa.

Actualmente soy la presidenta del Comité Local de Tactic, nuestra función como Comité es apoyar a las familias que necesitan construir su vivienda. Nosotros les brindamos la mayor cantidad de información para que no tengan dudas y puedan acercarse a las oficinas.

Otra de las funciones importantes, es dar a conocer en las comunidades los demás servicios, para formar una cadena y que la voz llegue a todo el municipio.

«Me siento bien de poder ayudar a las familias que necesitan un lugar en donde vivir». -Carmen

Invertimos en una casa y nos olvidamos de pagar renta.

Cuando me casé, con mi esposo vivíamos con mi suegra; sin embargo, surgieron problemas porque no teníamos espacio, después, con mi esposo empezamos a alquilar una casita a la par, pero cuando mis papás se dieron cuenta de que lo que necesitábamos era un espacio propio para poder empezar a formar nuestra familia, nos dieron un terreno en donde construimos nuestra casa. Mis papás construyeron su casa con la Fundación y ellos nos recomendaron que fuéramos a averiguar por la facilidad de pago.

Mi papá nos dijo que no quería que alquiláramos, sino que lo que pagábamos en alquiler fuera invertido para la construcción de nuestra propia casa.

Al visitar la oficina junto con mi mamá, nos dieron toda la información, y concertamos una cita para que evaluaran el terreno. Todo fue rápido, empezamos a realizar los trámites a principios de septiembre y para la primera semana de diciembre nuestra casa ya se estaba construida.

«Sentimos la diferencia de vivir en un lugar propio, ya no gastamos sino invertimos». -Maritza.

#MyHabitatExperience – Mario Joaquín López

I’m an architect and researcher with a speciality in Regional Planning. I’m passionate about promoting a more equal habitat that is suitable for symbiotic interaction with the environment. I currently work as a Special Projects Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity Guatemala.

Why Habitat Guatemala?

Habitat Guatemala is an organization that has diversified its work to go beyond social financing. I find that Habitat’s work focuses in the principle of global communities, committed to mitigating issues with different actions such as the multi-dimensional impacts of poverty in a country like Guatemala. Furthermore, it is an organization that acts responsibly within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Your Habitat Experience:

I began my career with Habitat in 2012, right after the devastating earthquake that happened in San Marcos. I was a witness of the commitment of the organization to assist families that lost everything. During my first two years with Habitat, I was involved in the construction of homes. During the last three years, I’ve dedicated my time to the development of projects that promote communal well-being, reduce disaster risk and have defended social housing and their importance when developing land-use policies.

What do you like the most about your position?

Working at Habitat Guatemala represents a learning opportunity for both my personal and professional development, allowing me to promote advocacy on different scales. From the particularity of a home built with social financing to support in the development and well-being of entire communities as well as benefiting cities with the elaboration of land policies, I feel that my work is diverse. Lastly, my work continuously links me to the field, allowing me to meet Habitat’s partner families which inspires me to continue working for their benefit.

 

Vulnerable Families Fund – Florinda Morales Family

 

Florinda Morales lives with her husband Genaro, and five children, in Xejuyú, San Andrés Semetabaj, Sololá.

Florinda suffers from end stage terminal cervical cancer. Genaro works as a farmer, and his wages are currently the family’s only income seeing that one of their eldest children lost his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their eldest daughter, who is 17, is currently attending school, but has plans to stop studying and find a job to help support her family.  One of their children suffers from epilepsy.

This family is living in poor conditions which have worsened because of the pandemic.  One of Florinda’s dreams is to spend the last days of life in a better place.  Their house is made out of adobe blocks and dirt floors.

Due to their current situation, Habitat Guatemala, through its Vulnerable Famillies Fund, is planning to support the family by providing them with a Healthy Home Kit and concrete flooring for their home.

We ask that you consider supporting the cause as well. Join us in building a better Guatemala!