Engels Barrios (33), is the proud new owner of a Habitat home! He lives by his own, next to three more houses inhabited by his siblings, who also built with Habitat in the past.  Engels is currently working as sales and business advisor.

Before partnering with Habitat Guatemala to build his home, Engels rented several houses for almost 8 years; “When I was renting, it was very uncomfortable because I had to be packing and moving my stuff all the time. So, one day my parents gave me this piece of land, and I decided it was time to build my own house,” he refers.

When we asked how he feels with his new home, Engels answered, “I feel great! Knowing that now I am paying for something that is for my own is very satisfactory, because I do not have to worry anymore about having to leave a place, and I am thankful for that.”  In the future, Engels is planning to build some fences or walls outside the house and add a second floor.

Regarding to COVID-19 pandemic, Engels mentions, “Regarding to that, now I know that I can come back home and be safe here, it is the best feeling.” he continues, “what I enjoy the most of my house is that, even though outside is very warm or cold, inside it stays fresh and cool.”

About the time shared with the volunteers Engels recalls, “Because of work I could not be present during that week, but my family, specially my sister, Lissette, and my parents, were here, and everyday they shared pictures and videos with me,” he continues, “It was a great week, they not only helped my family, but the community, because they were playing with all the children from the block and they were all really happy.”

He finished by sharing a message to the volunteers, “Thank you all very much for your support, even though I could not be present, receive our greetings from me, and my family,” he continues “I invite you to continue on supporting more families.”

Doña Teresa lives with her husband, Sebastián, and their three children, Francisco (18), Susana (15) and Marta (6), in the community  of Chemal, Chajul, Nebaj, in the department of Quiché. Teresa takes care of the home, while Sebastián and Francisco work in the field.

Before partnering up with Habitat Guatemala to receive a Smokeless Stove, Teresa used to cook over an open flame on the floor, which is called a “poyo” in Spanish. “I used to cook on the floor, the smoke made my eyes red and caused my children and I to get sick as well as suffer from headaches,” she explains.

Now, after a few months of using their new stove, Teresa feels really happy with it; “We are content with our stove, it is working well. There is no more smoke inside our kitchen anymore, and we have no more teary eyes!” She continues, “Now, I can cook all of my meals… tortillas, atol, and beans, at the same time.”

They finish by sharing a message to the donors: “We are very grateful to you all for your support and for providing us with this stove to improve our health” – Teresa.

(pictured, Teresa’s old stove, or “poyo”)

Antonia lives with her husband, Antonio, four of their children, and their grandson, Antonio Jr., in the community of Chemal, Chajul, in the department of El Quiché. Antonia and her daughters take care of the home, while Antonio works in the field.

Before partnering up with Habitat Guatemala to receive a Smokeless Stove, Antonia used to cook over an open flame on the floor, which is called a “poyo” in Spanish. “Our poyo was built with a grill over some blocks. We cooked like that for over 15 years,” says Antonia. This caused her and her family different respiratory diseases and red eyes due of the smoke that stayed inside the house.

Antonia feels really happy with her new stove; “Our new stove is completely different!” She continues, “Now, we only use three or four pieces of wood. With the old one, we used up to 10-15 pieces every time we wanted to cook. And the best part is, that smoke leaves the house!”

They finish by sharing a message to the donors: “Thank you for providing us with this stove, we are improving our health now that we have it.” – Antonia.

(Pictured, the family’s old stove, or “poyo”)