News EN – Page 14 – Hábitat para la Humanidad Guatemala

18 and Counting: Habitat Guatemala Adds Santa Rosa Affiliate

28 August, 2017/in News EN /by admin

This past July, Habitat for Humanity Guatemala expanded its operations even further. The Jutiapa Affiliate split into two offices, allowing a new branch to open in Santa Rosa. With this move, Habitat Guatemala officially has 18 fully functioning affiliates working throughout the country’s 22 departments.

Why is this a significant change? The answer concerns efficiency and teamwork. Affiliates are the backbone of Habitat Guatemala’s success, and an extra affiliate allows the organization to serve more families than before. Rather than having to travel to the main central office in Quetzaltenango, affiliates are located throughout the country and work to serve their local populations, making them better suited to address the need that defines each region.

Habitat Guatemala affiliates have several key responsibilities. Under the leadership of a respective administrator, officials called promoters (“promotores”) work with local regional committees that include community members or neighbors. Together, promoters and committees look throughout the department to find eligible and deserving families to get involved with Habitat Guatemala programming. The promoters then assist those families throughout the application process for a project. For example, if a family wants a new home, promoters will assist that family with paperwork and facilitate educational training sessions regarding home ownership, finance, and self esteem. The affiliate will also help the family find masons and workers to assist with construction, or any other useful resources that will prove useful throughout the process.

The Santa Rosa and Jutiapa departments are located in the southeastern region of Guatemala.

Although each affiliate provides Habitat Guatemala’s key signature services, including home construction, repairs, and Healthy Home Kits, some affiliates have projects that address specific necessity. For example, in Retalhuleu, roof construction and repair has been in crucial demand for most rural communities. This affiliate has worked for the past several years to provide laminate roofing to those who need, allowing them to enjoy the full benefits of having a sturdy, waterproof, and heat resistant structure that will project their homes. Across the country in the arid desert landscape of Zacapa, the affiliate there has worked with various municipalities to develop more effective water pump systems, which will support more local families living in communities.

There is little doubt that a new Habitat Guatemala affiliate will bring new opportunities and development projects. We are eager to see the Santa Rosa office finally get in on the action.

Keeping Up With Change

27 July, 2017/in News EN /by admin

Source: PrensaLibre

Every year, Guatemala undergoes a momentous transition from dry to wet season. During this period, dusty expanses of land will convert into sopping roadways and flooded fields. To avoid torrential downpours, street pedestrians huddle under trash bags, sweatshirt hoods, and whatever other covering that can be scavenged. While some look forward to the rain, many others fear its impacting, if not devastating, consequences.

Regardless of the time of year, mother nature presents itself as a deadly force in Guatemala. In addition to consistent hurricanes and earthquakes, Guatemala is also one of the top ten countries in the world affected by climate change, despite accounting for less than 0.1% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. In country, major industries have negatively impacted precious environmental resources. Every day, these businesses destroy 16 square meters of forest, which as a result, leaves millions of people vulnerable to flooding and landslides.

Guatemalan families living in extreme poverty, or under $2.00 per day, are more threatened by natural disasters than any other demographic group. Most families work in agriculture and are highly dependent on the success of their crops. However, in years where extreme drought or flooding impact the year’s harvest, their very livelihood is thrown into uncertainty.

Source: Prensa Libre

Despite these uncertainties, every day, we meet determined families that strive to adapt and overcome environmental challenges. Their stories often speak of heartbreak, but above all, echo resilience and determination. Take Lorinda and Juan Sician Chuc, whose entire life has revolved around their crop, but believe that the good of Habitat Guatemala’s projects will prove beneficial on the long term. Or Lucia Tobar Santos, who depends on her five children to find work in the fields, but is leading a healthier lifestyle thanks to small changes.

As the world’s climate changes more quickly than can be reversed, Habitat Guatemala is committed to leverage the high demand and necessity for adequate and safe housing solutions. Little by little, we hope to provide long term options for some of Guatemala’s most deserving families, who shouldn’t have to worry about a place to live if misfortune befalls them.

Subsistence farming, including corn harvesting, is crucial to most families’ livelihoods.

Breaking Ground With Solid Ground

26 June, 2017/in News EN /by admin

On June 19, 2017, Habitat for Humanity Guatemala staff gathered from around the country to talk about their commitment to Habitat for Humanity’s newest global advocacy campaign: Solid Ground.

Solid Ground was created by Habitat for Humanity International and thirty countries to address a fundamental issue that exists across the globe: access to land for shelter. Most people around the world have no rights to land on which they live due to pre-established rules and regulations, and currently this is a reality affecting a large segment of the population in Guatemala, particularly women and underprivileged minorities.

Today in Guatemala, there is a housing deficit of over 1.6 million homes (of which need to be improved or constructed), and it is estimated that this number will increase to 2.1 million homes by 2020. During this national forum, several presenters shared their point of view, and alarming statistics, regarding the causes and effects of the problematic housing situation in Guatemala. Earthquakes, tropical storms, political turmoil, extreme poverty, difficulty to tenure land, and legal and financial aspects all play a role in this large deficit. In addition, 67.8% of the population works in the informal sector. This means that the average monthly income of 2,158 Quetzales ($294 US) is not enough to provide a family with the bare minimum essentials, which has a cost of 4,171 Quetzales ($568 US). Consequently, Guatemalans are affected socially by troubles with emotional development, lack of a sense of security, health issues, among many other effects that prohibit individuals from living a healthy lifestyle.

It is this realization that has compelled Habitat Guatemala to advocate the Social Ground campaign. Habitat Guatemala believes that by changing land policy and systems, more Guatemalan families will have access to an adequate home. This solution can be achieved by motivating policymakers to enact and implement protocols and systems that advance access to land for shelter. The team at Habitat Guatemala has already begun mobilizing new and existing allies by contacting 11 different municipalities across the nation, with the hope of working together to decrease the housing deficit.

The forum ended with a visit from two members of the local government: Mayor of Salcajá, Rolando Miguel Ovalle Barrios and Architect Dálida Ively Ramírez de León. They presented the results achieved by approving the second Territorial Ordinance Plan in the entire country. They believe that by implementing such a plan, there is a positive effect on social housing and a possibility to decrease the housing deficit.

As Habitat Guatemala continues its work with the Solid Ground campaign, it is our desire that our partners and supporters are excited about the movement as well. If you would like more information about how you can get involved with Solid Ground, please contact Steven Cook at donor@habitatguate.org.

Habitat Guatemala Goes International

21 April, 2017/in News EN /by admin

In late March, Habitat for Humanity Guatemala participated in the Habitat for Humanity International Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. For the first time since 2001, over 2,500 attendees from 1,000 USA affiliates and 50 global affiliates regrouped for a week of learning and engagement. Habitat Guatemala’s Executive Director, Victor Martinez, Board President Renaud Cuchet, and Director of International Resources and Development, Steven Cook, all attended.

The week presented several learning and brainstorming opportunities. Habitat Guatemala worked with colleagues to develop new strategies for finding passionate partners that hope to positively impact lives with sustainable housing solutions. Additionally, we discussed our unique role with Solid Ground, a global advocacy campaign that works with Habitat for Humanity International to provide secure land tenure across the globe.

There were several other exciting moments from the week. We had the chance to hear former President Jimmy Carter speak. At ninety-two years old, President Carter remains involved with Habitat for Humanity.

Lastly, Habitat Guatemala reconnected with partners from all over North and South America. The meeting felt like one, big family reunion. On Wednesday evening of the conference, we dined with over 30 friends from 15 affiliates in the states and invited them to join us for the Spring 2018 building of Habitat Guatemala’s 100,000^th Housing Solution. In addition to meeting with old friends, Habitat Guatemala made new many friends who are passionate about serving others in need of housing solutions. Overall, we enjoyed a highly successful week in Atlanta. We have since returned home more energized and excited in our task to serve Guatemalan families.

Did you want to meet up with us, but didn’t get the chance? We would still love to hear from you! Please send your questions or comments to Steven Cook at donor@habitatguate.org.

The Power of Global Village

17 March, 2017/in News EN /by admin

This time last year, Lee Jerstad, was in Tecpan, Guatemala as a Global Village volunteer and team leader. She was leading twelve people from the Habitat for Humanity Evansville affiliate.

Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, Lee had the opportunity to provide an all-expenses paid trip to one lucky lady. Through a simple, 3 question application process, Lee came to know Evansville Habitat homeowner, Lacey. Lacey, a single mom to an 8-year-old son, had juggled radiology school and motherhood, while not skipping a beat and accomplishing 300+ hours on her own habitat home construction. A few months later, Ms. Lacey was on her very first plane right to Guatemala.

Lee spoke about the nine days in Guatemala with an infectious smile, especially of what it meant to her to share this experience with Lacey. “This is what it is all about,” Lee said as she described the relationship between Lacey, the U.S. Habitat homeowner and William, a Guatemalan homeowner. William was also a single parent, determined to provide a safe, dignified home for his young son.

“She kept stressing how much it meant to pay it forward,” mentioned Lee regarding Lacey’s experience. As a Habitat homeowner, serving another Habitat homeowner who was also a single parent, was a particularly connecting moment.

The power of Global Village is relationships like the one of Lacey and William. Families of different countries and languages united by the power of homeownership.

Volunteer Engagement specialist, Lee Jerstad, now calls Americus, Georgia home as the Volunteer Engagement Specialist for Thrivent Builds Worldwide.

Solution 85,001: Completed in Memorium

15 February, 2017/in News EN /by admin

Making History

Last month, Habitat Guatemala set out for the town of Usumatlán, Zacapa with two intentions. The first would be to honor our late director, don Luis Samayoa, who passed away last October. The second would be to complete a house in less than twenty-four hours in honor of his memory. What transpired would be remembered as one of the most notable feats in our organization’s history.

Friday began sunny and dry under the Zacapa heat. Volunteers from all backgrounds, as well as Luis’s wife and two sons, gathered to watch the first brick laid. In front of an eager crowd, the first mason quickly spread a thick layer of mortar on the foundation. He juggled the brick in his hands, careful not to let it slip, and laid it gently down, pausing to make any adjustments with a level tool. Once the commemorative gesture was complete, the workers leapt into action, hurrying to mix thousands of more pounds of mortar before the twenty fourth hour was up.

The crew worked tirelessly. Throughout the day, they passed concrete into the new houses, stacked blocks, and tied rebar after rebar. Well into the evening, the Amway Colony thrummed with animation and a fierce, eager determination to finish the building earlier than expected. Thanks to the help of 200+ national Habitat Guatemala staff, national volunteers, and 50 members of the Foley Group build, the house was completed in a record eighteen hours, with construction terminating at 2:30 Saturday morning.

The next day, new homeowner Gabriela Vazquez and her son were provided the keys to their newly completed house. As a pivotal Habitat leader in her community, Gabriela is overjoyed to have a home in dedication, love, and memory of don Luis Samayoa.

Give the gift of fresh air on #GivingTuesday

21 November, 2016/in News EN /by admin

Most of us are familiar with the tradition of “Black Friday.” This day, which falls the Friday after Thanksgiving, is often filled with visuals of frenzied shoppers zig zagging through mall shops with family members in tow, hoping to pinpoint the perfect deal for that perfect holiday gift.

But how many of us know about Giving Tuesday? For those seeking to pay it forward this holiday season, Giving Tuesday has become the ideal time to donate to a nonprofit organization. Although relatively newer, and smaller, than Black Friday, Giving Tuesday is slowing growing in popularity and is quickly being recognized as the “Black Friday of Philanthropy.”

This year, Habitat for Humanity Guatemala will be participating in Giving Tuesday to tackle one of the most dangerous illnesses in Guatemala: respiratory infection. Each year, 14% of deaths are cause by indoor smoke inhalation. The cause of death has been linked to old, ineffective cooking stoves that leak potent fumes and ultimately result in both emotional and socioeconomic losses. Children suffer the most; under the age of five 24 for every 1,000 die each year from a preventible disease.

For that reason, Habitat For Humanity is working to reverse this statistic. We hope through this campaign we can provide an additional 50 families with 50 smokeless stoves in 2017. However, we can’t do it without your help. One smokeless stoves costs $100; with your support, we want to raise $5,000, which will go towards the materials and construction needed to build smokeless stoves.

To plan your giving, visit our webpage.

It may be a small change but it is a giant leap.

Q&A with Renaud Cuchet: “Not only theory, there has to be action”

19 April, 2016/in News EN /by admin

On April 2, 2016, Renaud Cuchet was elected president of the board during Habitat Guatemala’s annual National Assembly. Here’s his experience and vision for Habitat Guatemala:

Please explain your position.

I am the newly elected president of the board. I’ve been national member of Habitat Guatemala for 20 years. I’ve served on several boards of directors several times in the past. From 2008 to 2011 I was already president of the board. And I’ve served as various other positions as well, like treasurer.

Why are you passionate about Habitat Guatemala?

I was friends with Don Luis [Habitat Guatemala’s president] even before he was president. He told me about the great things the organization is doing for Guatemalan families. Before he was appointed director, he was going to meetings to be able to help Guatemalan families in practical ways. If you can improve the conditions that the families are living in a little bit, you are doing a lot of good. What I like about Habitat is the very low administrative cost, compared to the amount spent on families. It’s an efficient organization and that’s why I decided to join.

Why housing?

I traveled a lot in rural areas of country and in Central America because I’m a coffee trader. I go to rural communities, and each time I go I am sensitive to how people live in the countryside. I’ve seen great needs of improving standard of living of Guatemalan people. I’ve been touched by their needs and I want to do something about it.

What’s your coffee trading business like?

National members of Habitat Guatemala are all volunteers. We all have another life besides that.

I work with a coffee trading company, and we have buyers in North America, Europe, and Asia. I work mostly with importers, and sometimes with roasters. We have to look for the quality asked for by buyers, we do sourcing, quality control, and we deal with their needs for the specialty coffee business. Consumers are becoming increasingly demanding about quality. The company also has a foundation, and we have partnered with Habitat Guatemala a few times to install water filters, latrines, and smokeless stoves in the region of San Marcos. We want to keep on doing that.

What is your vision for Habitat Guatemala?

We want to reach as many families as we can. Now we are really paying a lot of attention to families who cannot afford a full house. Currently for 2016 our goal is to serve 10,125 families, of which 2500 should be full houses. The rest should be home repairs and Healthy Home Kits. The next goal is the 100,000th family served.

As President of the Board, what are you going to push for?

We want to push forward national volunteers in Guatemala. At first it was hard to convince Guatemalans to volunteer, but now it’s working really well. And we still want to push this forward and raise local donations. In the beginning volunteering wasn’t too much in the Guatemalan mentality. That was 20 years ago, and lots of people thought of Habitat Guatemala as an organization for foreigners to volunteer at. Now, working with universities, there is a sense of social responsibility and corporate responsibility. Large Guatemalan organizations are taking Habitat’s vision and getting on board. In schools and universities, students are realizing that if they want to teach their country they need to get involved. It can’t only be theory; there has to be action also.

Any parting words?

I’m very thankful for our international volutneers who are willing to help improve Guatemalan families’ lives. It’s a very important part of our program. We have a good structure in Guatemala to welcome international volunteers, to receive support of international donors. People are always welcome to come here and visit us.