Catarina, her husband, Rene, and their five children, Angela (17),  Axel (14), Kimberly (13), Katherine (9) and Sergio (7) are currently living in a small community in Sololá. While Rene works in agriculture, Catarina is a homemaker.

By being part of the Local Women Committee in her community, Catarina is always looking for projects and ways to support themselves, that is how she found out about Habitat Guatemala’s stoves project.  Before receiving her smokeless stove, Catarina used to cook on a stove that she built with blocks. Catarina shared, “I built the old one by myself to be able to cook. The new one is very pretty! I feel very happy with it. It saves wood. I only need one or two branches to cook all my meals,” she continues, “We are planning to fix the kitchen space in the future.”

Catarina finishes by sharing a message to the volunteers; “We had a really fun time with all of them! Thank you for your support. We send our greetings. I encourage you to continue supporting communities like ours. May God bless you!”

Evelin, her husband, Wenseslao and their two daughters, Margarita (4) and  Beverly (1) are currently living in a small community in Sololá. Her husband works as a tailor, while Evelin is a homemaker, caring for their two daughters.

Before partnering with Habitat Guatemala to receive her smokeless stove, Evelin used to cook on a gas stove. When the family did not have money to buy gas, Evelin would go and cook at her mother-in-law’s house. Evelin shared, “Now, with my own stove, I can cook whatever I want without worrying about anyone.” The biggest change has been the money they are saving. The family no longer needs to buy wood often because of the design of the stove.

Evelin explains that her favorite meal to prepare is “beans with tortilla.” For the group that came to help build their stove, Evelin sends this message, “Thank you all for your support. May God bless you!”

Edith lives with her husband, Efrain, and their three children, Ileana (14), Milton (12) and Nehemías (5), in a small community near Lake Atitlán, Sololá. While Efraín works in agriculture, Edith takes care of the children and weaves traditional clothes.

As part of Habitat Guatemala’s Healthy Home Kit, families receive a smokeless stove, a sanitary latrine and a water filter, to help them improve their health by giving them adequate access to proper sanitation, potable water and a smoke free environment.

“I used to cook on an older stove for over 10 years. It consumed many wood, which was very costly.  With the new one I have been able to save wood. It is easier to cook, because it is big and has plenty of space, enough space to cook my beans and vegetables.” Edith has felt a difference in their health; no more eye irritation because the smoke no longer stays inside the kitchen.

Before receiving their new latrine, she explains that they had to share one with other relatives. “Now, we have our own latrine. It is more comfortable and private.” The family has also felt a difference with their water filter. Before they drank water directly from the sink, causing them intestinal diseases. Now, it is easier and safer to drink potable water from the filter. “The boys no longer get sick, they can drink water whenever they want,” says Edith.

Edith refers to her time with the volunteers; “They were very fun to work with,” she continues, “We are grateful for your support, thank you for our kit. Our family is happy.”