build this single mom family a home
Donation protected
Catarina is 29, Her mom died when she was 4, and her dad when she was 22. Her husband left her for another woman... She lives without family support, a single mother with 4 children. The oldest, Felipe, is 13. He's the only one who attends school. Elena and Idan are of school age but are unable to go for lack of funds. Noli is 2. The family photo below is taken in front of their friend's home where they are staying since their house is falling down and the roof leaks. The adobe walls move when one touches them.
Funds go a long way here in Guatemala, but Catarina's construction will be challenging. Many families have land for their children but the pieces end up being tiny sometimes. This is Cata's situation. Her land is about 9 feet square. She has no bathroom nor kitchen space, and one bed in bad shape for the 5 of them. A local young woman ( one of my goddaughters) helps by providing shoes for the children. She knows Cata because they attend the same church . Magdalena asked me to see if there was a way I could help Catarina using my network of friends.
First a septic tank will have to be dug and constructed. In San Pablo there is a huge sewage problem. We do not want to add to that by not providing a place for the toilet to discharge. As well, it will be an example for new constructions in that town. In neighboring San Pedro la Laguna, all homes have septic tanks built to accommodate grey or blackwater.
The space is small, so making a toilet under the stairs to the second level will save space. Bunk beds will make the best use of limited space. Block and concrete with a concrete roof will allow two levels so they can accommodate all the family for both sleeping and eating. Upstairs where the kitchen will be will have a tin roof and be made of wood to provide ventilation. A fuel efficient onil stove will keep smoke out of the house. Solar powered lights will help the kids see to do homework or draw and for cooking. All of these will be included so the family has a good start. Right now Catarina sells small crocheted items and does laundry to provide food and necessities for the family. The family she is staying with are a widow and a single mom with two girls from a large family, and are very supportive. All the children are happy and laugh a lot. They just need a place to call their own where they can be able to sleep and eat. Thanks for taking the time to listen to Catarina's story. I hope you will support her in this project. Maltyox - thank you in Tz'utujil, Catarina's native tongue
Funds go a long way here in Guatemala, but Catarina's construction will be challenging. Many families have land for their children but the pieces end up being tiny sometimes. This is Cata's situation. Her land is about 9 feet square. She has no bathroom nor kitchen space, and one bed in bad shape for the 5 of them. A local young woman ( one of my goddaughters) helps by providing shoes for the children. She knows Cata because they attend the same church . Magdalena asked me to see if there was a way I could help Catarina using my network of friends.
First a septic tank will have to be dug and constructed. In San Pablo there is a huge sewage problem. We do not want to add to that by not providing a place for the toilet to discharge. As well, it will be an example for new constructions in that town. In neighboring San Pedro la Laguna, all homes have septic tanks built to accommodate grey or blackwater.
The space is small, so making a toilet under the stairs to the second level will save space. Bunk beds will make the best use of limited space. Block and concrete with a concrete roof will allow two levels so they can accommodate all the family for both sleeping and eating. Upstairs where the kitchen will be will have a tin roof and be made of wood to provide ventilation. A fuel efficient onil stove will keep smoke out of the house. Solar powered lights will help the kids see to do homework or draw and for cooking. All of these will be included so the family has a good start. Right now Catarina sells small crocheted items and does laundry to provide food and necessities for the family. The family she is staying with are a widow and a single mom with two girls from a large family, and are very supportive. All the children are happy and laugh a lot. They just need a place to call their own where they can be able to sleep and eat. Thanks for taking the time to listen to Catarina's story. I hope you will support her in this project. Maltyox - thank you in Tz'utujil, Catarina's native tongue
Organizer
Barbara Ancheta
Organizer
Chilliwack, BC
