October 2019 – Hábitat para la Humanidad Guatemala

Water Distribution System – Los Achiotes, Santa Rosa

31 October, 2019/in News EN /by admin

Habitat Guatemala, alongside Guatemalan NGO Agua del Pueblo and an international donor, formed an alliance to develop a project for the Dry Extended Corridor communities. Its main objective was to give to the community of Los Achiotes access to water, through the restoration of their water supply system.

The lives of 110 families have changed drastically thanks to the implementation of this project. For the past 28 years the community has needed to walk for over 40 minutes, often times twice a day, to fetch water from a water spring to carry out their daily necessities.

One of the beneficiares, Vicky Pensamiento, shares her feelings now that she has running water in her home, “I feel happy! As a women, I suffered a lot because I had to clean the house, wash the clothes, cook… and you need water to do everything! Now we feel free; no more walking to get the water we need.”

The families of Los Achiotes also received different trainings regarding how to maintain the water supply system, water awareness (and conservation), health and hygiene, healthy homes and each family received a Habitat for Humanity Guatemala water filter; making the water potable. Additionally, a Water Committee was created in the community, leaving them with a sustainable and organized structure.

Habitat Guatemala plans to continue implementing projects that address the need of many Guatemalan communities for access to safe water in their homes. Many thanks to all of those who were involved in this project!

#MyHabitatExperience – Makensie Brown

31 October, 2019/in News EN /by admin

A graphic designer turned Development Director, Makensie has spent the last five years working in Latin America with the goal of supporting efforts to reduce the housing deficit through her work at both Habitat for Humanity Chile and Habitat for Humanity Guatemala. We sat down to ask her about her HFH experience and how she is feeling in Guatemala.

Why Habitat Guatemala?

My interest with Habitat for Humanity originally started with a simple internet search before the end of my college career. I studied both Spanish & Graphic Design and wanted a way to combine my two interests with a non-profit focus. When I discovered a job listing for Habitat Guatemala’s Communications Coordinator I jumped at the opportunity. Just a week after graduating I found myself in Guatemala, and I haven’t moved back since.

My interest in Habitat Guatemala’s work started as a desire to discover a new culture and help it tackle its problems, but has evolved into a passion project – getting to really know a vulnerable population, discovering their needs, listening to their ideas about how to face their challenges, and then help in creating a solution.

My Habitat Experience:

Habitat for Humanity has taught me that it takes a village to continue making this world a better place. Without individuals willing to donate their time, energy, financial resources, brain-power, etc. over the last 40 years the success of building over 115,000 housing solutions in Guatemala would not have been possible. I admire the power in connecting individuals for a mutual cause and witnessing the positive impact that it has on lives across the globe.

What do you most like about your position?

Throughout occupying different roles within the Habitat family (communications, volunteer management, donor relations, etc.) I have had the opportunity to form relationships with many talented, giving, and kind-hearted individuals across the world. It has been my privilege (and joy) to connect volunteers with projects that are near and dear to their hearts.

Apart from being able to help create a tangible solution to a need that exists, my favorite part of being involved with Habitat is its ability to connect individuals of diverse backgrounds, cultures, languages, etc. and unite us all in our desire and journey towards having a safe and adequate place to call home.

Want to get in touch with Makensie and learn more about the impact of your donation? Write her at donor@habitatguate.org

Yuly Chávez Pal Family

9 October, 2019/in Meet our families, News /by admin

Yuly is a single mother living with her four children, Sherly (14), Melvin (13), Bryan (11), and Daniel (7), in their new Habitat home in Santa Lucía Utatlán, Sololá. Yuly works in sales while the children attend school.

After learning about Habitat’s programs, she decided it was time to build her own home and provide her children with a safe and adequate future. “It is my duty to give my children a home of their own; My mom built a Habitat home over twenty years ago, and she encouraged me to do it,” says Yuly.

When asked how she feels with her new home, Yuly smiles and responds, ”I feel happy and calm. I now know that my children have a safe place to grow. It is ours and no one can take it away from us.” She is planning to add tiles to the floor and paint the house in the future.

What Yuly and her children enjoy most about being at home is playing and watching movies together. Their lives have changed in a major way, “I now feel at peace and safe at my home,” explains Yuly.

She finishes by sharing a message to the volunteers, “Thank you all for your support! My children will always remember you. May God bless you, we are looking forward to seeing you soon.”

Ezequiel Bernabé Anleu Family

9 October, 2019/in Meet our families, News /by admin

Ezequiel lives with his wife, Daniela, and their four year old son, Juan Rodolfo, in their new Habitat home in Santa Lucía Utatlán, Sololá. While Ezequiel works as an ambulance driver, Daniela stays home and takes care of Juan.

Ezequiel’s father, Herber, welcomed us into their home because Ezequiel was called to an urgent meeting in Guatemala city and they could not be present for our visit.

Herber shares that the family has known about Habitat Guatemala for many years. He built a house of his own twenty years ago. Now it is time for Ezequiel and Daniela to start a new life for their family, in their own space.

Before partnering with Habitat Guatemala, they used to live with Herber and the rest of their family members. “The family was growing and that is why we decided to build this house for them,” shares Herber.

When asked how they feel with their new home, Herber shares, “They feel happy; all of us feel happy. Now, they have their own space to live, they feel calm and safe. They are happy to form and grow their family.”

In the future, the family is planning to add another room and make the most of the spaces in their new home.

When asked about the time the family spent with the volunteers, Herber recalls, “It was a great week. We got really close, they worked hard! We have very good memories of them. We are very grateful for their support.”

“Thank you all for your big support, you can see the result of your hard work. Our family sends you all a big hug. We will always remember you. May God bless you!” – Herber Anleu.

Water Distribution System – Los Achiotes, Santa Rosa

#MyHabitatExperience – Makensie Brown

Yuly Chávez Pal Family

Ezequiel Bernabé Anleu Family

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