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My latest ramblings.
Enjoy! I definitely got important things to say
My latest ramblings.
Enjoy! I definitely got important things to say
Manuel Felipe (Don Manuel) tiene 60 años, y con su esposa criaron 8 hijos. Hace 7 años, uno de sus hijos lo invitó ha participar en la construcción de estufas ahorradoras de leña de Hábitat Para la Humanidad Guatemala. Desde entonces, Don Manuel ha estado trabajando con nosotros no solo en la construcción de estufas, sino en otros proyectos hábitat como letrinas sanitarias y casas en distintos puntos del país, en conjunto con familias y grupos de voluntarios.

Don Manuel siempre tuvo el sueño de construir su casa propia y una vez lo logró, se dio cuenta de que le encantaba construir y que esto le permitía ayudar a otras personas que necesitaban apoyo en su búsqueda por tener una vivienda y servicios dignos.
Don Manuel menciona que lo que más le gusta de trabajar con Hábitat es “la idea de construir sueños para generaciones futuras”. A su vez, le encanta poder trabajar con las brigadas de voluntariado nacional internacional, debido a las experiencias y aprendizaje que adquieren conjuntamente.
A su vez, Don Manuel señala estar muy agradecido con la oportunidad que Hábitat le dio de formar parte de su equipo de albañiles – “Me encanta construir y estoy enamorado de mi trabajo”.

The López family, residing in a close-knit rural community of Izabal, was chosen to be a part of the Chicken Coop project. The family had long struggled to meet their nutritional needs and faced economic challenges. However, with the introduction of the chicken coop, their lives underwent a remarkable transformation, not only improving their own nutrition and economy but also positively impacting the wider community.

Before the chicken coop project, the López family often faced food insecurity, with limited access to nutritious meals. The chicken coop provided them with a consistent supply of fresh eggs and poultry, enhancing their diet and ensuring they had access to essential nutrients. As their nutrition improved, their overall health and well-being flourished, enabling the family to thrive and be more productive in their daily lives.
Beyond the family’s own prosperity, the chicken coop project had a ripple effect on the entire community. By sharing their surplus eggs with neighbors and participating in the local market, the family became a catalyst for positive change. Their improved economic situation inspired other families in the community to pursue similar ventures, leading to a collective boost in the local economy. The chicken coop project not only transformed the López family’s future but also fostered a sense of unity and empowerment within the community, creating opportunities for growth and self-sufficiency.

The story of the López family serves as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the profound impact that support can have on individuals and their surroundings. Through the chicken coop project, not only did María’s family witness a positive shift in their own lives, but they also became beacons of hope for their neighbors. Their journey of improved nutrition and economic stability has become an inspiration, reminding us that by investing in the well-being of one family, we can sow the seeds of progress for an entire community.
“We are very grateful for this project. May God bless you and multiply what you have given us.” – María López

The Maldonado family, residing in the village of Swich Quebrada, Morales, Izabal, was selected for a life-changing Chicken Coop project. The family had been struggling to generate a stable income making it difficult to provide sufficient nutrition for their household. However, with the introduction of the chicken coop, their lives took a positive turn. The project provided them with a sustainable source of nutritious eggs and meat, transforming their nutrition and bolstering their family income.

Before the chicken coop project, the Maldonado’s meals were often limited to basic staples, lacking in essential nutrients. However, with the coop’s implementation, they now had a consistent supply of fresh eggs. These nutrient-dense eggs became a staple in their diet, improving their overall nutrition and contributing to better health and well-being. The surplus eggs were also sold in the local market, providing an additional source of income for the family. They are now an inspiring example in their community, not only for their improved quality of life but also for their resilience and determination in overcoming challenges.
By creating sustainable change, we can become agents of transformation, uplifting communities and fostering resilience. We extend our deepest gratitude to the SK2 Fund that made this project a reality for the Maldonado family and countless others like them. Your compassion and support have planted seeds of hope and empowerment within their hearts.

Together, we can continue to nurture a future where every family can thrive and flourish.
“On behalf of the community, we thank you all for providing us with this project. May God bless.” – Yanida Acevedo.


Enrique (63) and Maribel (59) are the happy owners of a Habitat home! They live in Quetzaltenango. Enrique works in a governmental program for inmigrants while Maribel, is in charge of the house chores.
Before partnering with Habitat Guatemala to build their home, this family had to rent for many years «We have rented for years and years, moving from different houses, once again when it was time to move, our son in-law told us that he was going to give us a piece of land to build, so we found out about Habitat and decided it was time.» After doing some research and speaking with all her children, they decided to invest together for a better future.


When asked how they feel with their new home, both of them smile and respond, “ We feel happy! Very very happy, in our Habitat home! It is all we wanted, a safe and comfortable space to sleep, to rest in peace,” she continues, “Thanks to Habitat for their support and for helping us fulfill this dream.” What Enrique and Maribel enjoy most about being at home is, “…to rest, being able to feel at peace inside.”
Regarding the week of construction shared with the volunteers, they share; “They are hard workers! We advanced a lot with the construction process because of their help. We shared a lot of laughs and happy memories too.”
They finish by sharing a message to the volunteers, “Receive all our love and greetings! Thank you for your support. May God bless you.”




Meet María Ruano, resident of the Skipper Habitat Colony in Usumatlán, Zacapa. For years, María and her family faced the daily struggle of not having regular access to piped water.
But one day, everything changed. A project supported by donors like the Rotary Club aimed to bring access to household water to all the members of the community.
The project involved the installation of a centralized water tank. Despite the challenges and physical labor involved, the sense of unity and purpose among the community kept them motivated.

After 1 year, the day finally arrived when water flowed through the newly laid pipes, reaching every household in the community. It was a moment of joy and celebration for the Ruano’s and their fellow neighbors. The sound of running water echoed through the community, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
And so, the Ruano’s family’s story became a tale of resilience, community spirit, and the profound significance of having access to clean water. Their lives were changed, their dreams rekindled, and their hearts filled with gratitude for the life-giving resource that had become an integral part of their daily existence.
Martha lives with her husband and four children in the community of Pasojoc I, Zacualpa, in the department of El Quiché. Martha takes care of the household while her husband works in the fields.

Before partnering with Habitat Guatemala to receive an improved stove, Martha used to cook over an open flame on the ground, known here in Guatemala as a «poyo». The family’s old stove was in poor condition and consumed large amounts of firewood.
Cooking like this caused Martha and her family various respiratory illnesses and irritability in the eyes due to the smoke that remained inside the house.

Through the Uk’u’xJa stove project, Martha and her family were one of more than 3,200 families that have been supported in their quest for access to an adequate, safe and hygienic stove. With this stove, families can reduce by up to 83% the cases of respiratory illnesses detected. In addition to allowing an income of up to $25 per month by reducing the consumption of firewood per stove by 43.6%, the stove also helps to save up to 6.5 trees per year.
Martha says she is very happy with her new stove – «now when I make my tortillas I don’t have to be on my knees, I can just stand next to the stove, without my back or legs hurting».

atención al cliente
QUETZALTENANGO
18 avenida 5-13 zona 3.
7736-8264 / 7763-7524 / 4740-6832
atención al cliente
GUATEMALA (REGIÓN GUATE-CENTRO)
3 Av. 8-26, Zona 10. Guatemala
23392223
atencionfamilias@habitatguate.org
© 2020 Habitat para la Humanidad ® Guatemala. | Desarrollado por iGuate.com

