Emilsa, (25), her husband, Leonel (32), and their two children, Anjory (9), and Anderson (2), are the proud owners of a new Hybrid House, in the municipality of San Andrés Semetabaj, Sololá. While Leonel works as a mason, Emilsa stays at home, taking care of the children and house chores.

Emilsa and her family are part of our new Hybrid House Program, which is a two room home built with a mix of traditional materials: adobe blocks, cement blocks, and wood. This solution is partially subsidized which means that beneficiary families are asked to contribute towards the cost of materials, and provide unskilled labor such as preparing the adobe blocks, among other tasks.

Before partnering with Habitat Guatemala, Emilsa mentioned that she and her family used to live in a house built out of corrugated metal sheets with dirt flooring. They all shared just one room, where they slept and cooked in the same space. «It was a rough living like that, especially for my children. My husband and I could not afford to build a better house for them. We were living in that room for almost 3 years. Before that, we were renting, but could not afford to pay rent anymore,» says Emilsa.

One day, Emilsa received a visit from Habitat staff. She showed them her house and the way that they were living. The staff explained the program and that she was selected as one of the beneficiaries. “One of the Habitat promotors came to visit and at first I was not 100% sure if it was true. After sometime, he came to visit again, and we decided to believe it was true… and it was!» says Emilsa.

When asked how they feel with their new home,  Emilsa answers, “I feel so happy and grateful to finally have a safe space for my children. We now have a kitchen and our own room.» She continues, «It is a blessing that people want to support us, especially during these difficult times regarding COVID-19. Now we have our house!» She continues, «In our old house, we suffered from cold. During rainy season was the most difficult time because the water entered the house and it caused damage; the metal sheets had holes and the dirt floor turned to mud.»

Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, Emilsa mentions, “These times have been complicated, we have had lack of work and other things, but having our house has made us feel safer, especially for my children. We have one thing less to worry about now, because this house belongs to us. We do not have to worry about paying rent, nor about the rain, cold, or sun.”

As part of the Hybrid House Programs, families also receive a smokeless stove, a sanitary latrine, a water filter, and a pila (outdoor washing station). This helps them improve their health by giving them adequate access to proper sanitation, potable water, and a smoke free environment. The family has felt a difference with their  new water filter. Before, they drank water directly from the sink, which caused them to suffer from gastrointestinal distress. Now, it is easier and safer to drink potable water from the filter. Regarding their stove, Emilsa mentions, «With my new stove, I can save wood and cook everything at the same time.»

Emilsa finishes by sharing a message to the donors, “I want to give thanks to God, and all of the people that decided to support us, even though you do not know us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. May God give back to you twice as much as you have given to us. In the name of all my family, thank you for this gift.»

Lorna  (32) her husband Tomás (34), and their three children, Josselyn (11), Jorge (8) and Lupita (3), are the proud new owners of a Habitat home!  During the week, Tomás works in the Guatemala City market,  while Lorna stays home and weaves traditional clothes to sell.

Before partnering with Habitat Guatemala to build her home, Lorna and her family used to live with Tomás’s parents and 11 additional relatives.  The space started to feel small for the growing family. That is why they decided it was time to start building a home of their own.  They started buying  some construction materials little by little, but were not enough to start the construction due to the lack of available funds.

Lorna has not had an easy life, as a young girl, she grew up in an orphanage setting. She and her brother were welcomed at the Agua Viva Orphanage. «They were the most happy days of my life… to share with other children and finally have some peace,» explains Lorna. She continues,  «That is where I met Rachel, and where I received an invitation to participate in the choir and travel to the United States. It was so much fun to spend time with her and her family. Throughout  all of these years, our friendship has endured… we are like sisters.»

«I have lived in an orphanage since I was a child.  I have met very nice people, who are now my friends. When we decided to start building our house,  I shared our plans with them,» mentions Lorna. She continues, «I explained my situation to Rachel. After some time, I received a visit from the Habitat staff, and it was a total surprise for me to learn that we were going to receive the donation of our home! When we started receiving all of the materials, I knew it was going to become a reality.»

When we asked how she feels with her new home, Lorna gets very emotional and answers, «I do not have any words to describe my happiness. I feel very content to have our own home. This has been a home for everyone. We have welcomed our relatives, and now, all of the blessings are starting to come back. By receiving this new house, we are able to have our own space. A home is the best refuge for everyone.»  Tomás adds, «We are grateful and happy to have our own home!»

Regarding her favorite part of the house, Lorna answers «Everything! I just love it all. In the future we would like to paint it with bright colors, like orange.»

By receiving this house, Lorna and her family will greatly improve their quality of life… and not just for her and her immediate family, but for the rest of their relatives as well; everyone will have their own space, tranquility, and peace.

The family finishes by sharing a message to Rachel and her family, “I am very grateful with God for putting Rachel in our path. I feel very happy and grateful to with her. There are not many people in this world who give these kind of gifts, but those who are sent by God have that ability, and that is what Rachel.  God sent her to me, and my family. Receiving this (home) is very special. We may not be able to pay them back, but we just keep on praying to God to keep her and her family blessed and that all that they have given us is multiplied for them. This is a gift that will last a lifetime, not just for me, but for my children and their future. THANK YOU!» She continues, «Receive all my best wishes… the best wishes you can hope for, for a sister. You are a part of what we are now. Thanks to you and your family. Feel welcome whenever you want to come visit; we will be waiting for you. I love you!»