Flor (26) lives with her father, Manuel (63), and her three children, Arturo (12), Evelyn (6), and Lourdes (2) in the community of San Juan, Salamá, Baja Verapaz. Flor is a single mother and she dedicates her time towards taking care of her children; her dad works in the fields nearby.

Habitat Guatemala’s Integral Water and Sanitation Hygiene Project (WASH) consists in the installation of a biodigestor, porcelain toilet, shower, water filter and the placement of a small tower and water tank in each household. These interventions guarantee and ensure better hygiene practices. When Flor and her family found out about this project, they knew it was a great opportunity to improve their family’s quality of life.

In the community of San Juan, families have two sources of water, but neither of them are safe to drink, and there isn’t constant access to water. That is why having a water tank is very important for Flor de María’s family. “We are happy with our water tank! Now, we can no longer tell if the water isn’t running or not, because it’s always available.” She continues, “We used to boil water from the sink. Sometimes we had to boil it for some time because it tasted of chlorine. Due to unpleasant flavor, we would even resort to buying bottled water. Now, it is completely different; we no longer have to buy it and it tastes wonderful!”

(pictured the family’s old shower) 

(pictured the family’s new sanitary unit, including a ceramic toilet, a shower and a pila) 

Before receiving their new latrine and porcelain toilet, Flor and her family used a shower covered with wood and plastic; their latrine was in poor conditions. “It was very uncomfortable, especially at night because there were a lot of cockroaches and worms and I worried about my children. Now, it is completely different! I feel calm when they use the bathroom and shower by themselves. It is more hygienic and comfortable,” says Flor. She continues by explaining their previous sanitary conditions, “We used to direct the graywater to the field next to the house. Now, we are properly disposing of our graywater and my kids are no longer exposed to any danger; they can play safely.” With their new biodigestor, which is connected to the toilet and shower, their waste is being properly managed and it is no longer polluting the environment.

Overall, Flor says, “We feel happy and satisfied to be a part of this project. The products had made us feel safer and healthier; it has been a great improvement!”

She finishes by sending a message to the donors, “Thank you to all who made this project possible! May God help you and guide you in order to continue supporting families in need.”

Susely lives with her husband, David, and their 3 children, Antony(9), Madelyn (6), and Keyler (4) (36), Antonieta (21), José (18) and Elisa (17), in the community of Santa Lucía Utatlán, above Lake Atitlán in the departament of Sololá. David works in agricultre, while Gregoria stays at home and takes care of the chores.

As part of Habitat Guatemala’s Healthy Home Kit program families receive a smokeless stove, a sanitary latrine and a water filter. This helps them improve their health by giving them adequate access to proper sanitation, potable water and a smoke free environment. When the family found out about the project, they decided it was the perfect opportunity to improve their family’s quality of life.

“We used to cook over a “poyo” an open flame, for over 9 years, it was in a very bad condition. The smoke made us feel sick, causing us red eyes too,” she continues, “I feel content with my new stove now. There is no more smoke inside our kitchen, no more sickness and red eyes and the best part is that we save wood too.”

Before receiving their new latrine, the family explains that the old one was also in poor shape. “The new one is much easier to use for our children,” says Brigida. Things are going great with their water filter too. Now, they can drink potable water and not get sick.

Susely refers to their time with the volunteers by explaining, “We had a good day with the volunteers, they played with my children and built together,” she continues; “Thanks to all of the volunteers and to God! thank you for supporting our families and villages. May God bless you.”

Gregoria (60) lives with her 4 children, Brigida (36), Antonieta (21), José (18) and Elisa (17), in the community of Santa Lucía Utatlán, near Lake Atitlán, in the departament of Sololá. Brigida works as a vendor, Antonieta at a bakery. José and Elisa are going to school while Gregoria stays home and takes care of the chores.

As part of Habitat Guatemala’s Healthy Home Kit, families receive a smokeless stove, a sanitary latrine and a water filter. Thishelps them improve their health by giving them adequate access to proper sanitation, potable water and a smoke free environment. When the family found out about this project, they knew it was a great opportunity to improve their family’s quality of life.

“We used to cook on an older stove for more than 30 years, it was in poor condition. It consumed much more wood, which cost more money too. The new one is different, it only uses half the amount of wood as the old one. We are able to cook all our meals at the same time. We feel content with it!” says Brigida.

Before receiving their new latrine, the family explains that the old one was also in poor condition. “Now that we have a new latrine, we feel happy and safe, especially all our nephews who also use it” says Brigida. Things are going great with their water filter too. Now, they can drink potable water and not get sick.

Gregoria and Brigida refer to their time with the volunteers by explaining, “We had a great day! The volunteers worked really hard as a team. It was all quite an experience to build the adobe blocks and share with them,” she continues; “Receive our greetings and may God bless you! Thank you all for your support. These products have served us greatly.”