Mission for life project

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In Guatemala, families living in remote areas have difficulties accessing health care services due to a lack of transportation to facilities, resources, or language barriers. Fundanier, founded in 2003, provides outpatient services, hemodialysis, dialysis and kidney transplant services to children, especially those from low-income families.  

Many Guatemalan families still face the difficulties of the remoteness of their communities that limit the times they can take their children to receive treatment in a clinic. To account for this, Fundanier, in collaboration with Bridge of Life and Habitat for Humanity Guatemala (HFHG), has developed the Health Care Module for children with kidney disease to create safe and secure spaces and environments for the health and well-being of the family. 

The Health Care Module 

The Module is built one meter away from the home of the families, creating a passageway with the existing home. The main objective of this Module is to promote a safe and healthier environment for the personalized treatment of patients with kidney disease living in remote communities of the country. Additionally, this module aims to: 

  • Provide families with a durable structure strategically located to the side of the existing home for patient access. 
  • Improve current hygiene conditions in the home by accessing water through a rainwater harvesting system outside of the home, and hygiene areas through the installation of a sink and washing station. 
  • Expand current home environments by amplifying the construction footage of the home and reducing overcrowding in other built spaces. 

Peritoneal Dialysis Room

  • 3.00m x 3.00m block and wood structure 
  • Includes: rainwater collection system, outdoor handwashing station, metal door and windows, solar panel, water filter, chair, table and shelves.  
  • Design structure can be customized to meet family needs 
  • Cost: approximately $7,500.00 USD 

Project results 

  • Built 8 safe and durable structures for home-based peritoneal dialysis care (from September 2022 to March 2023
  • Improved access to water and hygiene for participating families 
  • Healthier and brighter futures for children 
  • Alliances with local and international partners that fund and support this Mission for Life project 

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Josefa Ixtahualan – ADISA

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Meet Josefa Ixhalan,the proud, single mother of Dolores (19 months) who has an intellectual disability that requires constant care and attention. 

Thanks to the support of Habitat for Humanity Canada, Hope & Healing and Homes4Hope, this family now has a new home that has been specially designed to meet their needs. The home was designed incorporating universal accessibility. It has a spacious and safe outdoor area where Dolores can play and enjoy the sunshine. 

Josefa is beyond grateful for this amazing opportunity and has expressed her sincere thanks to everyone who made this possible, “I feel much better now. I want my daughter to grow up in a safe environment, go to school and be happy,” she mentions. They now have a comfortable place to call home, where Dolores can thrive and grow. This is truly a testament to the power of community and how we can come together to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Margarita Ramírez – ADISA

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Today, we share with you the story of the Ramírez family, who participated in the project Improving the lives of people living with disabilities in Solola, Guatemala implented by Habitat Guatemala and ADISA and funded by Habitat Canada, Hope&Healing International and Homes4Hope.

Kendall, inspired by the health care professionals who have helped him with his cleft lip diagnosis, wants to be a doctor someday; he wants to help other children. “After all, doctors helped me too!” – he tells us, brightly. The family is grateful for the support and care they have received from ADISA for Kendall’s therapy.  

Kendall proudly shows us the new home, water filter, stove and bathroom that he and his family received during the project. The family is overjoyed with their new home and express their gratitude for the support they had received, “I can hardly find words to express our gratitude. We already feel at home here. Thank you very much for everything!” – says Margarita. They shared how much of a difference it had made in their daily lives and how much easier it was for them to move around the house. Kendall, can now play and grow up in a safe home. They also spoke about how grateful they were for the sense of community they had felt throughout the project,  

The Ramirez family’s story is just one example of the positive impact this project has had on the lives of 45 families with children with disabilities. We are proud to be part of this transformation and we remain committed to continuing our efforts to improve the lives of Guatemalans. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Petronila Nimajay – Hybrid House – Church of Bend

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Petronila (25) is doing laundry in the new pila (water station) when we arrive at her new Hybrid House in the hidden village of Chuacruz Pujujil, Sololá. Her husband Antonio (27) and children Blanca, Emerson and Osvald greet us with smiles on their faces: Seqar!“ – Welcome!. The fourth child of the family sleeps in a cloth on Petronila’s back. 

“We are very happy and grateful to have this very nice house. Before, we lived in the mud house next door with my parents.” – Petronila recounts – “It was cramped and dark.” 

The new house is bright and protects the family from wind and rain. “Now we have enough space! It makes our life much easier!” – Antonio, tells us. With the house they also received a Healthy Home Kit including a water filter, a smokeless stove and a latrine . 

“Thank you again for this support, God bless you. Our life has improved a lot. Cooking is easier now and the children are no longer in danger of getting burnt from the fire. We can also use water more sparingly!”. As in many remote areas, people have to fetch water from a distant source. 

“Chuaqchic” – Goodbye ; everyone waves to us as we are about to leave her new home. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opportunities

National Office

Avenida Las Américas, 9-50, zona 3,
Edificio Supercom Delco, 3er. nivel, Oficina 3,
Quetzaltenango, Quetzaltenango.
+502 7931-3131
donor@habitaguate.org

Global Village Office

Carretera a San Bartolomé Becerra casa #6,
Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepéquez.
+502 7832-4436 / +502 7832-4572
guategv@habitaguate.org

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