In the community of Las Pavas, Chisec, Alta Verapaz, Miguel proudly welcomes us in his kitchen, alongside his wife and two children. Miguel works in agriculture in nearby fields, while his wife takes care of the household chores. During Eta/Iota storms, Las Pavas was very affected, due to severe flooding. “Water came from above, from the floor, from the sides, from everywhere”, mentions Miguel.

To support the families, like Miguel’s, who were affected by the storms, Habitat Guatemala, in coordination with Trocaire and Habitat for Humanity International developed the Project for Humanitarian Assistance in Response to Eta/Iota storms. A total of 411 families were provided with a construction material kit for roof repairs, and 48 families benefited from a concrete floor and a water filter.

Miguel’s family now eats in the kitchen that has a bright new red concrete floor, with no more mud or dust. “We feel proud. It looks pretty and clean. It is a joy to clean it and to welcome guests in our kitchen”, says Miguel. As Beneficiaries of a water filter, they no longer have to carry water from the river up to 3 times a day for a 20-minute walk.

“From Las Pavas community, receive our greetings and gratitude. Thank you for providing us with these products to improve our health. May God bless you”. – Miguel Caac.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gilberto lives with his wife Carolina, and their five children, Horacio, Iris, Gudy, and baby in the community of Las Pavas, Alta Verapaz. While Gilberto works in agriculture, Carolina is a housewife.

Like many communities in Alta Verapaz, Las Pavas was affected by the storms Eta and Iota. In the country, over 2 million people living in poor conditions were impacted by the passage of the storms. “It was hard for us because the river rose. Our houses were badly damaged as the water came from everywhere. We were worried for our children”, says Gilberto.

To support these families, Habitat Guatemala, in coordination with Trocaire and Habitat for Humanity International developed the Humanitarian Assistance Project in Response to Eta/Iota storms. A total of 411 families were provided with a construction material kit for roof repairs, and 48 families benefited from a concrete floor and a water filter. Through this project, families like Gilberto’s have improved their living conditions and health. Now, Baby Sayda has a clean and safe place to grow up and play.

Gilberto has a message for the donors: “As a family, we are very grateful for this support. Receive our greetings from Guatemala. Thank you for your support to our communities”.