Meet our families – Page 14 – Hábitat para la Humanidad Guatemala

WASH Project – Laura García

4 March, 2021/in Meet our families /by profiles

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 Chojolán – Twin Cities – Noah Keller

4 February, 2021/in Meet our families /by profiles

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.”

Healthy Home Kit – Susely Can – Doug Amirault

2 February, 2021/in Meet our families, News /by profiles

Susely lives with her husband, David, and their 3 children, Antony(9), Madelyn (6), and Keyler (4) (36), Antonieta (21), José (18) and Elisa (17), in the community of Santa Lucía Utatlán, above Lake Atitlán in the departament of Sololá. David works in agricultre, while Gregoria stays at home and takes care of the chores.

As part of Habitat Guatemala’s Healthy Home Kit program families receive a smokeless stove, a sanitary latrine and a water filter. This helps them improve their health by giving them adequate access to proper sanitation, potable water and a smoke free environment. When the family found out about the project, they decided it was the perfect opportunity to improve their family’s quality of life.

“We used to cook over a “poyo” an open flame, for over 9 years, it was in a very bad condition. The smoke made us feel sick, causing us red eyes too,” she continues, “I feel content with my new stove now. There is no more smoke inside our kitchen, no more sickness and red eyes and the best part is that we save wood too.”

Before receiving their new latrine, the family explains that the old one was also in poor shape. “The new one is much easier to use for our children,” says Brigida. Things are going great with their water filter too. Now, they can drink potable water and not get sick.

Susely refers to their time with the volunteers by explaining, “We had a good day with the volunteers, they played with my children and built together,” she continues; “Thanks to all of the volunteers and to God! thank you for supporting our families and villages. May God bless you.”

Saúl Pulex – HFH Canadá- Doug Amirault

2 February, 2021/in Meet our families /by profiles

Saúl (26) and his wife, Lourdes (28), are the proud new owners of a Habitat Home! They live with their three children, Jefferson (9), Oliver (6), and William (1.5). Saúl works as an industrial mechanic, while Lourdes takes care of the family household.

Before partnering with Habitat Guatemala to build their home, the family used to live at Lourdes mom’s house, with just one room for the five of them! “We learned about Habitat through a friend, we were able to buy our land before, so we applied for the loan and after 20 days we got approval!” says Lourdes.

When we asked how they feel in their new home, Lourdes answered, “I have a sense of tranquility, now we have much more space! our children can play and do what they want in here, a space just for them!” In the future, the family is planning to paint the house and add extra rooms

Regarding to COVID-19 pandemic, Lourdes mentions, “We moved into our new house when the pandemic was just starting. At first it was hard and we missed our family, but with time we got used to it and now we are better and calm,” she continues, “my children can play with the neighbors children and now they play the entire day together”

About the time shared with the volunteers Lourdes recalls, “They came when we need them the most! They helped us so much by carrying all the materials to the house. We felt like it was a never ending mountain of gravel, but with their help we managed to move it!” she continues, “We made a lot of progress with their support!”

She finished by sharing a message to the volunteers, “Thanks to each one of you, you helped us the most when we needed it. Our children will always remember you.

Healthy Home Kit – Gregoria Saquic – Polly Knudsen

22 January, 2021/in Meet our families, News /by profiles

Gregoria (60) lives with her 4 children, Brigida (36), Antonieta (21), José (18) and Elisa (17), in the community of Santa Lucía Utatlán, near Lake Atitlán, in the departament of Sololá. Brigida works as a vendor, Antonieta at a bakery. José and Elisa are going to school while Gregoria stays home and takes care of the chores.

As part of Habitat Guatemala’s Healthy Home Kit, families receive a smokeless stove, a sanitary latrine and a water filter. Thishelps them improve their health by giving them adequate access to proper sanitation, potable water and a smoke free environment. When the family found out about this project, they knew it was a great opportunity to improve their family’s quality of life.

“We used to cook on an older stove for more than 30 years, it was in poor condition. It consumed much more wood, which cost more money too. The new one is different, it only uses half the amount of wood as the old one. We are able to cook all our meals at the same time. We feel content with it!” says Brigida.

Before receiving their new latrine, the family explains that the old one was also in poor condition. “Now that we have a new latrine, we feel happy and safe, especially all our nephews who also use it” says Brigida. Things are going great with their water filter too. Now, they can drink potable water and not get sick.

Gregoria and Brigida refer to their time with the volunteers by explaining, “We had a great day! The volunteers worked really hard as a team. It was all quite an experience to build the adobe blocks and share with them,” she continues; “Receive our greetings and may God bless you! Thank you all for your support. These products have served us greatly.”

Healthy Home Kit – Isabel Yac – Polly Knudsen

22 January, 2021/in Meet our families, News /by profiles

Doña Isabel lives with two of her daugthers and a grandchild, in the community of Santa Lucía Utatlán, in the department of Sololá.

Before partnering up with Habitat Guatemala to receive a Smokeless Stove, Isabel and Jessica, used to cook over an open flame on the floor called a “poyo.” “I cooked over a poyo for 63 years! It was very hard to cook in it, the smoke made us feel sick and gave us red eyes,” says Isabel.

They are really happy with their new stove; “It feels much better to cook with the new one now! We use less wood to cook. Now we do not have to go get wood so often,” says Isabel.

Before receiving their new latrine, Jessica explains that the old one was old and in poor condition. “The new one feels more private and comfortable, it is easy to clean. It is much easier for my mom that recently had a surgery, to use ” says Jessica. The family has also felt a difference with their water filter. Before they drank water directly from the sink, causing them intestinal distress. Now, it is easier and safer to drink potable water from the filter,” Jessica mentions.

About the day of construction, they recall; “We had a good time with all the volunteers. It was a fun day.” They finish by sharing a message to the volunteers: “We thank all of you for supporting us with this kit. We hope God blesses you and keeps you safe in your daily activities. Thanks for your efforts in providing us with these items.” – Isabel and Jessica.

Martina Sicajau Tiu – Open Team – Polly Knudsen

22 January, 2021/in Meet our families /by profiles

Don Mariano (55) and his wife, Martina (47), are the new proud owners of a Habitat Home! They live with two of their children, Odilia (11), and Roberto (23), his wife, Julia (23), and baby Josselyn. Mariano works in agriculture. Roberto works in a different department, Petén, while the ladies stay at home.

Before partnering with Habitat Guatemala to build their home, the family used to live in the house in front of the new one, which now works as the kitchen. It was built out of adobe blocks and dirt floor. “Before, we were seven people sleeping in just one room, we lived like this for almost 23 years,” says Martina. She was a part of Habitat Guatemala Smokeless Stove Program, and one of the local affiliate promoters told them about the possibility of building a safer house. They were very interested, but at that time, they did not have enough money. Three years later, they decided it was time to build a new home for their own! They decided to visit the office in Panajachel, and even though they did not know much about the city, they found it, and started with the process.

When we asked how they feel in their new home, Martina smiles and responds, “We are thrilled and grateful with our new home! From the beginning, the Habitat staff provided us with all the information and accompanied us during the entire process. Now, it is completely different to have our home built with cement floor and nice walls, it is a big improvement for us as a family.” What the family enjoy the most about being at home is, “…We love all the house, we love the design, our rooms, everything!”

Regarding to COVID-19 pandemic, Martina mentions, “This pandemic has hit us hard in the economic way, our son, Roberto is working at Petén. It has been five months that he has not had been able to come visit us, and see her daughter grow up, because it is hard to pay for the transportation.” Regarding to studies, Odilia has been studying from home, but it has been hard for Martina, because of her limited education. Odilia might need to repeat her school year, because it can be a better way of her to learn better. But having the house, has prevent them from getting sick, and they also have a comfortable space to stay and spend time together.

About the time shared with the volunteers Martina recalls, “They were wonderful people, we really enjoyed spending time with them and build our house together! We missed them so much when they left. They are now part of our family.”

She finishes by sharing a message to the volunteers, “We are grateful and moved to get to know people from abroad that came to help us even more that people from our own country! To know that you left your family and friends to build with us and to work that hard, it is really admirable! We miss you all so much, and we wish that all of you are doing fine. We keep all the photos you left us as a great memory. May God bless you! Maltiox.”

Santa Cecilia Paniagua – HFH Asheville – Joel Johnson

14 January, 2021/in Meet our families, News /by profiles

Santa Cecilia (30), lives with her husband, Edgar (31), and their 6 children, Ana Cecilia (12), Edgar (10), Santa Teresa (8), Reina (6), Andrea (4), and Rosa Adriana (2) in a small community in Chimaltenango. While Edgar works in the fields, Santa Cecilia takes care of the children and the household chores.

As part of Habitat Guatemala’s smokeless stove program, families receive a stove that helps them improve their health and living conditions. Families are also required to get involved in the construction process and the collection of some local materials.

Santa Cecilia explains; “I used to cook over an open flame, on a small stove that I built myself. I cooked on it for over ten years, and all the smoke stayed inside our kitchen, causing me and the children many respiratory diseases, and red eyes.” She learned about the program through a local committee member, and did not hesitate to sign up!

“We were very exited and happy to be a part of this project, because we could not afford a stove like this. My husband built the adobe blocks and we also helped him,” says Santa Cecilia.

She feels satisfied with her new stove; “I feel very happy, my girls enjoy to prepare tortillas with me! we have fun cooking together,” she continues,”We now use much less wood. With three pieces of wood, I can prepare our tortillas, atol and beans at the same time. Even our “nixtamal” takes less wood to get prepared.”

Santa Cecilia refers to their time with the volunteers; “It was a very special day for us, we enjoyed having them here. We still have the picture we took together,” she continues, “Thanks to all of you! Our family is very grateful for you and your support.”