Laura lives with her husband, Mauro, and their three grandchildren, Laura (19), Mauricio (18), and Yamilet (13) in the community of San Juan, Salamá, Baja Verapaz. Laura owns a small Tortilla shop, and her husband works in the fields nearby.

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

Laura explains the situation of the water in her community “We have two sources of water, but neither of them are completely pure. Sometimes they cut it and we spend a few days with out water. We used to drink directly from the sink, because we did not have enough money to buy water from vendors,” she continues, “Now, with our water tank and water filter it’s completely different. We drink fresh and clear water, and we always have it running!”

(pictured Laura with her old pila, where her and her family used to shower) 

(Pictured Laura with her new shower and ceramic toilet) 

Before receiving their new latrine and porcelain toilet, Laura and her family used a latrine in poor conditions and they did not have a shower. “I feel very blessed. We had been dreaming of having a shower but we could not afford it. Before, we had to wake up at 4AM each day to shower in our pila (cement sink), so that no one could see us. Now, everybody has their privacy and we feel happy!” says Laura. Before, the family used to pour out their waste water on the street. That has changed as well! With their new biodigestor connected to the toilet and shower they make sure its going to only one place and doesn’t further pollute the environment.

Overall Laura says, “all the people who benefited in the community are happy with their products, they have been of great help! We are making sure to take care of them.”

She finishes by sending a message to the donors:  “Thank you all for your support! thank you for making many of our dreams come true. It wouldn’t have been possible on our own. May God bless you.”

Dalis (26) lives with his husband, Keneth (27), and their two children, Dylan (6), and Axel (4) in their new Habitat home in Cantel, Quetzaltenango. Keneth works as a mechanic, while Dalis takes care of the household and sews traditional clothes.

Before partnering with Habitat Guatemala to build their home, Dalis and her family lived at Keneth’s parents house since they married; “My parents in law built a house with Habitat when they got married, and encouraged us to build our own too,” she continues, “We dreamed of having our own home, so we visited the Habitat offices and it is now a reality,” says Dalis.

When asked how she feels about her new home, Dalis responds, “It is a big blessing for us! We have our own space, with everything its where it has to be. We feel very happy!”

Regarding to COVID-19 pandemic, Dalis mentions, “Thanks to God, with our own space, our kids, had enough space to play and not get bored.” In the future, the family is planning to add ceramic floor and perhaps another room. What the family enjoys the most about their house is: “…everything! every room feels comfortable and safe. I have my own space for my workshop and, while the kids are playing at the living room, I can work.”

Regarding the week of construction shared with the volunteers, Dalis shares; “For us it was a week full of blessings, we felt very happy to received them and worked together. When they left we were sad, because it was a beautiful week.”

She finishes by sharing a message to the volunteers, “Thanks to all of you, for your support and for everything! We will always have you in our minds. May your year be full of blessings and prosperity.”