Yanida Acevedo Maldonado – Chicken Coops, Izabal

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 López – Twin Cities – Noah Keller

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.”

 

 

María Ruano – Water Tank – Usumatlán, Zacapa

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. 

Chávez Family -Uk’u’xJa Stove Project-

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”.

Barbara Salvatierra – Water Tank – Usumatlán, Zacapa

Meet Barbara Massiel Salvatierra a mother of 4 children, and beneficiary of the Skipper Habitat Colony in Usumatlán, Zacapa. Barbara’s life has been marked by resilience and a determination to create positive change in her community. She saw and experienced firsthand the challenges that arise from a lack of basic necessities, such as access to clean water. These circumstances motivated her to seek a better life for herself, her family, and her neighbors. 

Barbara’s journey took a significant turn when she became a beneficiary of a Habitat for Humanity home. The opportunity provided her with a safe and affordable place to live, granting stability and security for her family. The Habitat home not only improved their living conditions but also instilled a sense of empowerment and hope within Barbara. 

Recognizing the importance of access to clean and potable water, Barbara took an active role in a new project initiated by Habitat for Humanity. She assumed the responsibility of representing her community’s interests and acted as a liaison between Habitat and the residents. 

The completion of the water tank project brought about transformative changes to Barbara’s community. The once limited and unreliable access to water was replaced with a steady supply of potable water, improving sanitation, hygiene, and overall well-being for all residents. 

Barbara’s story stands as an inspiration to others, showcasing the transformative power of collaboration, advocacy, and the pursuit of a better quality of life for all. 

Josefa Ixtahualan – ADISA

Meet Josefa Ixhalan,the proud, single mother of Dolores (19 months) who has an intellectual disability that requires constant care and attention. 

Thanks to the support of Habitat for Humanity Canada, Hope & Healing and Homes4Hope, this family now has a new home that has been specially designed to meet their needs. The home was designed incorporating universal accessibility. It has a spacious and safe outdoor area where Dolores can play and enjoy the sunshine. 

Josefa is beyond grateful for this amazing opportunity and has expressed her sincere thanks to everyone who made this possible, “I feel much better now. I want my daughter to grow up in a safe environment, go to school and be happy,” she mentions. They now have a comfortable place to call home, where Dolores can thrive and grow. This is truly a testament to the power of community and how we can come together to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Margarita Ramírez – ADISA

Today, we share with you the story of the Ramírez family, who participated in the project Improving the lives of people living with disabilities in Solola, Guatemala implented by Habitat Guatemala and ADISA and funded by Habitat Canada, Hope&Healing International and Homes4Hope.

Kendall, inspired by the health care professionals who have helped him with his cleft lip diagnosis, wants to be a doctor someday; he wants to help other children. “After all, doctors helped me too!” – he tells us, brightly. The family is grateful for the support and care they have received from ADISA for Kendall’s therapy.  

Kendall proudly shows us the new home, water filter, stove and bathroom that he and his family received during the project. The family is overjoyed with their new home and express their gratitude for the support they had received, “I can hardly find words to express our gratitude. We already feel at home here. Thank you very much for everything!” – says Margarita. They shared how much of a difference it had made in their daily lives and how much easier it was for them to move around the house. Kendall, can now play and grow up in a safe home. They also spoke about how grateful they were for the sense of community they had felt throughout the project,  

The Ramirez family’s story is just one example of the positive impact this project has had on the lives of 45 families with children with disabilities. We are proud to be part of this transformation and we remain committed to continuing our efforts to improve the lives of Guatemalans. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Petronila Nimajay – Hybrid House – Church of Bend

Petronila (25) is doing laundry in the new pila (water station) when we arrive at her new Hybrid House in the hidden village of Chuacruz Pujujil, Sololá. Her husband Antonio (27) and children Blanca, Emerson and Osvald greet us with smiles on their faces: Seqar!“ – Welcome!. The fourth child of the family sleeps in a cloth on Petronila’s back. 

“We are very happy and grateful to have this very nice house. Before, we lived in the mud house next door with my parents.” – Petronila recounts – “It was cramped and dark.” 

The new house is bright and protects the family from wind and rain. “Now we have enough space! It makes our life much easier!” – Antonio, tells us. With the house they also received a Healthy Home Kit including a water filter, a smokeless stove and a latrine . 

“Thank you again for this support, God bless you. Our life has improved a lot. Cooking is easier now and the children are no longer in danger of getting burnt from the fire. We can also use water more sparingly!”. As in many remote areas, people have to fetch water from a distant source. 

“Chuaqchic” – Goodbye ; everyone waves to us as we are about to leave her new home. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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