Delia, her husband Rogelio and her children, Edwina (16), Elvis (14), Sulmi (11), Melvin (9), Neriho (7) and Reina (2) in Solola. Delia is a homemaker, and Rogelio works in agriculture.

The family have lived in the current home for 10 years. Prior to their Habitat stove, “we had a stove that we propped up with rocks” the old stove is nearby and broken. “I love to make hot coffee, tortillas and prepare my daily meals with it,» says Delia.

The family also has a Habitat latrine. “Now we have our bathroom and we can go there and still have privacy. “When the kids were young, my husband created a latrine out of dried corn stalks, but after time, they started to fall, and he works so hard, it continued to fall apart over the years and we needed a new one after so many years. This was is much better because it has walls and a roof,» says Delia.

Delia is pleased with her healthy home kit, but her greatest impression was with the group of volunteers, she shares: “Thanks to God that they came to work with me. They were very kind, smiling and caring people. They cared a lot for my children, and my children felt very close to them. When the day came, I thought it would only be the builder coming to help and I thought it would take a lot of time.  To see such a group come unexpectedly show up was such a great help! They came and attended to building my stove, the latrine and it was done so quickly! I was very happy this day having them here.”

Thanks to you all, the work ended quickly, I was very happy passing this day together and send a lot of my love and greetings to everyone who came. Even now, my kids remember your names and ask for you. Thank you that you came to do this for us. We are very grateful.”

Fulgencio(20) and his siblings Migdalia Ofelia (19), Carlos (10) and Daisy (7) live with in the village of San Lucas, Solola. The siblings recently lost their parents and with the help of his oldest sister and aunt, whom they live with, Fulgencio works very hard to keep the family unified.

With the help of their eldest sister, the family opened a small shop at the front of the house where they sell snacks and small goods. Migdalia runs the shop and the profit goes to keep a roof over their head and pay Carlos and Daisy’s school fees. Fulgencio works with their neighbors in agriculture, and this work allows the family consistent access to have fresh fruits and vegetables.

One year ago, Fulgencio discussed with his aunt their need for a stove and a latrine. He learned about Habitat’s program and the family recently received a Habitat Healthy Home Kit, complete with a stove, latrine and a clean water filter. Speaking of their prior stove he says, “before we had one, it was a table with a grill here in the middle, but it used a lot of wood and the smoke did not leave the house. It caused a lot of coughing, everything stayed inside. Now we don’t have that problem. Now, the smoke, goes out, the air is much fresher inside” How does it go outside? we ask, not seeing the usual chimney that accompany the new stoves “the chimney is here behind the wall and everything goes outside. Now, the smoke leaves very well,” he says.

What do you like about the stove, “Everything,” he says, “it saves wood, it cooks the food more quickly.” Of the latrine Fulgencio says “now, it is closer to the house, the old latrine was farther away close to the coffee fields and the little ones were afraid to go out there at night. This one is closer and it is a better quality too” he shares.

To the group of volunteers, Fulgencio says “thank you to you all for this stove, the filter and the bathroom, it has been a great help and we are very grateful for these.”