This is a bit off-topic, but one of my best friends – Kate – went with her family to Guatemala last summer with an organization that builds houses for those desperately in need of shelter in the rural areas of Guatemala. Kate, who I’ve known since freshman year at Tyler School of Art (Temple University’s Art School) and her husband adopted a baby boy from Guatemala over 12 years ago. I believe he is the inspiration to help the rural poor in this country.
The experience they had last summer was life-changing to say the least. Her eyes light up every time she speaks of their summer in Guatemala and as expected – they’re heading back there this summer. They only went for one week last summer and this year they’ll be staying an additional week in order to do some more exploring of the country. In fact, this year they will be staying with a host family to get even more immersed into the culture. They have three children, two went with them last year and all three are going this year. The two older kids are in grade school and they have been learning Spanish since kindergarten and are way ahead of their parents. They are taking their youngest child – who is four years old.
The organization they are volunteering for is called From Houses to Homes (FHTH). It was founded in 2004 with the intension of improving the lives of those living in rural Guatemala. Most of the poor live in cornstalk homes with a dirt floor. The volunteers are responsible for raising funds to build the concrete block homes. FHTH assemblies teams of three adults to provide the labor to build the homes. It takes approximately $1500 in materials to build one home. Kate’s family, through the generosity of their friends and family, raised enough money to build 6 homes last summer.
They are looking to raise money to build even more houses this summer. In addition to building homes – funds can be put toward building bunk beds ($250 for the beds, mattresses, sheets, pillows & blankets); stoves ($150 buys a stove); and school supplies ($40 – $80 tuition and supplies for one year $40 for grade school and $80 for junior/senior high school).
There is also a great need for used, operable laptops.
For information or to send a donation, here’s the address:
Foe Collins, Executive Director
From Houses to Homes-Guatemala, INC
X-12 Farmhouse Lane
Morristown, NJ 07960
(973) 538-3987
You can also make tax deductible donations online at the FHTH website. If you’d like to make a donation specifically for Kate’s family add “Viola Family” in the memo line or comment box! Here’s the video they made describing their experience last summer – I hope you’ll be inspired too!
Thanks,
Lizzie
Posted on June 6th, 2008 by lizzie
Filed under: Life in General
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Your friends are amazing people. That video is very touching – Especially the kids talking about making a difference. It’s nice to be reminded that there are still good people out there.
I have only had the opportunity to travel to Guatemala two times, but I am truly in love with the area and its people. Many of my friends question why I want to retire down there in a few years and see if I can make my skille benefit these great people who always welcome me into their homes and treat as I am family.
I ma pleased to hear about the organization.I hope we should go with these organization to improving the lives of those living in rural Guatemala.
Really, great thought and work even, let join these communities, i will do my part will donate and will pass this is to my friends in NJ
Is it truly safe to travel there? I’m always leery about taking my family to foreign places do to the safety factor. There are so many places I would like to see though if it wasn’t for that issue.
The world needs people like your friends. They are really amazing and I admire their kindness especially in helping other people. Hope more people will come out and reach out for those who are really in need!
Most of the poor live in cornstalk homes with a dirt floor. The volunteers are responsible for raising funds to build the concrete block homes. FHTH assemblies teams of three adults to provide the labor to build the homes.
i feel the heart of love and concern of everyone as seen in the picture. even how tough their life there. still i see peace..
I have actually wanted to do something like this and thank you for pointing me towards this group. I would love to raise the money and head down there myself to do it. I think that would be good for both me and the people I help. I am actually going to look into raising money and going down there.
Thw world would be a much better place if there were more people like your friends. You can also pitch in, and help build lives and careers in third world countries by means of micro-loan organizations like Kiva.
I think that is great that Kate and her family raised enough money for 6 homes. That will really make a difference in many peoples lives. It is also a really great opportunity to teach her children about the importance of helping others.
They are doing a great job!!!
Is crazy how much they can live on. In the US thats a tank of gas!
Wow…They’re really soft hearted people. Whether they’ll accept money from paypal also? If so, ask them to accept even small amount ($5 to $10- Little drops of water makes mighty ocean)…
Wow, 6 homes..how many of us made a difference like that..not many.
That is an amazing couple. I think it is great when people can serve others and bring joy into their lives. These people deserve a pat on the back.
Lovely. I also had the same experience in a similar project in Manila, Philippines. The project is called Bahay Kalinga (House of Care), and believe me, you are not only helping other people, you are also helping yourself in becoming a better person.
Great blog dear…Firstly i want to say you thanks..for sharing this information and your frnds are great.. Hey you writing skill is good. you can see my blog which is related to cement industry and cement sectors news , so plz visit my blog give some suggestins..
Really the couple is amazing. They are great examples of what the word “HELP” means
There are only a few people who believe in setting examples for the entire human race . The act of the couple is commendable as they are not people who wish to hog the limelight rather believe in pursuing a cause they strongly believe in . Great work Guys, God Bless You.
It’s nice to be reminded that there are still good people out there.
People like these are hard to find. World would be much better place if people like that would have more resources and influence in the world. Lets hope things will change to better.
i have a Guatemalan friend and they just love it as well…
I’m not sure how much I would want to go there. It seems a little depressing with all the poverty.
video is very touching
That is a very great things to do. A good deed. I am happy for those family. Wish i could participate in this.
Only extraordinary people can do this type work for mankind. If everybody may have the least tendency of founding “Houses to homes” we may not any suffering people in the world.
Hi Lizzie,
It’s awesome what your friend is doing. Here in South Africa, we also have similar initiatives where people can come and help in the building of houses and shelters for those less fortunate than they are.
It’s actually the greatest feeling helping someone in need.
Thats amazing how cheap it costs for some people to have a home.
It’s to bad it was still nice and cheap to buy a house in Canada, If we only knew housing prices would go up.
Kim
Great work Guys, God Bless You
Kev
Its sad to see how their live. Im glad they have a new house now.
oooOO, nice little blue house. Much better than that shack they living in. Good work.
The price of homes has gone up in Canada, its’ unconceivable the price people pay. I thought I’d be able to buy a home myself but looks like I’m forced to change my mind.
Kim
That is a touching video and a great story. These families deserve, at the very least, to have a concrete block home and some basic essentials in their life. I’m glad for the effort of your friends.
Really the couple is amazing. Thanks for bringing such a great post to the fore
I like your blog, it is really a nice piece of work. Keep it up
Just makes me think how many live without basic things that others don’t even notice. I always admired people who take personal initiative to help total strangers and invest their time and energy(not to mention) money in worthy causes.
Thats the great volunteering work from FHTH. I will contact them
That would be an experience and a half! I can’t imagine what it would be like to get an opportunity to do that for someone else. I’ve always been amazed at the power that service has to change lives, both for th giver and receiver.
there is a lot of people who are living without basic necessities in the world, and its great to see people doing something to help others..
It actually opens up our eyes to people who are unfortunate.. There is still good souls in the world..
I really admire people who has it in them to do help people in need of it like this. I guess its just some people who has it or?
Some lesson to learn for the rest of us.! I am impressed.
I have the great respect for that couple.
I have been to Guatemala, it is a reality , I know.
Great work, it good to see people who want to helps each other
It is also a really great opportunity to teach her children about the importance of helping others. If everybody may have the least tendency of founding “Houses to homes†we may not any suffering people in the world.
I commend the compassion and determination shown by others towards their fellow man. If i had even an ounce of this charity then i would be a many times over better person.
This is really a great work. It’s great to see people doing something to help others.
I travelled there once to build a school for the children. It was REALLY enriching and eye-opening
If everybody may have the least tendency of founding “Houses to homes†we may not any suffering people in the world. These families deserve, at the very least, to have a concrete block home and some basic essentials in their life. I’m glad for the effort of your friends.
your blog is really gud and your friends are amazing. it’s a very good feeling to help someone..so they would be feeling good..
I have more blogs plz see these :- Ronaldo,Cement industry, Decorative laminates and a lot more are in pending, so please suggest me some more tips to improve about bloging…
always thought that in order to show gratefulness for how fortunate you are depends on how much you help others. great article
What an awesome post. That sounds like it would be so fun and rewarding. I will see how I can help those people from here. Thank you for sharing.
From Houses to Homes – Returning to Guatemala:
Very nice and descriptive post
Lovely. I also had the same experience in a similar project in Manila, Philippines. The project is called Bahay Kalinga (House of Care), and believe me, you are not only helping other people, you are also helping yourself in becoming a better person.
A really touching video you got there. Its good to see there are still someones care for them. Great post.
The video is really high quality and made my heart softened. Thanks for your posting!!!
Thats really cool on how little they can live on.
Its really nice to hear that there are still a good few living out there.I am really bent on knowing more about your organisation.
Its very nice of you. And thank you for sharing this information with all of us. Any help that you might need plz let me know.Glad to be of help
How sad, it must be next to impossible to get good nutrition there ,we just don`t know how good we have it here at home.
me sitting here in front of my laptop, enjoying a ginger ale and air conditioning i feel like a big selfish bastard when i consider your friends or even the people of Guatemala who probably have 1/1000 of the wealth we enjoy here in North America.
how can they survive with a such poor live?
I am really bent on knowing more about your organisation.
I will see how I can help those people from here. Thank you for sharing.
you guys are as great as those philantrophist as they are helping with money but you are helping with energy. Keep up ya great works and keep on helping the need. Sharing is good
I think everyone should donate to this cause. Its such a good thing to do and your helping someone out in such a big way.
I love the video, it is very touching. I really want to help too.
What a good organization they have put together. It’s nice to see something a little off topic!
Great post and thanks for sharing.I have had the opportunity to travel to Guatemala two times, but I am truly in love with the area and its people. Many of my friends question why I want to retire down there in a few years and see if I can make my skills benefit these great people who always welcome me into their homes and treat as I am family.
great! thanks very much for sharing!
I really enjoy watching the video. I will pray for a lot of people to help.
That was a great video. Come back, we miss your posts.
Great video
I really like this video
Dang, that is sad. I’ll see what I can do to help, thanks for letting us know.
Really, great thought and work even, let join these communities, i will do my part will donate and will pass this is to my friends in NJ.
What a good organization they have put together. It’s nice to see something a little off topic!
Nice articles, thank you very much for sharing, maria
Wonderful video. Thank you for sharing with us.
A great initiative. I’ve only been to Guatemala once but I’ve participated in the same type of program in Honduras. Seeing the impact on the life of the rural poor and their gratitude is the best part of the job.
This is what life is all about, helping each other and loving each other.
Agreed with the last comment re: “this is what life is all about”.
You know what, though? It can almost be overwhelming. Every time I open my eyes past a squint, I find another good cause.
It’s great there are so many wonderful charity organizations out there.
It’s sad that we need all of them and more.
How cool, thanks for sharing.
I love that the world still have those who are compassionate. GREAT JOB KATE! KEEP IT UP!
Wow, its great to know there are people like these in this world. Its really inspiring.
“From Houses to Homes – Returning to Guatemala”
This is an interesting blog and seriously much helpful and informative
It can almost be overwhelming. Every time I open my eyes past a squint, I find another good cause.
It’s a wonderful thing that they are doing. $250 for a bed seems a little pricy, I know my dorm beds are cheaper than that. However, I’m sure it’s worth it, and it’s great that they are helping the lives of others, even if it’s only small amount.
Really inspiring to see two people with such big hearts.
That is an amazing project. We are so blessed here in the US and often times, I forget of how worse off people in south america are. It is so sad and I wish I was better off so that I might be able to reach out and help others who are in need.
Lovely place Lovely people
That sounds amazing. I’ve never heard of that organization before — thanks for sharing!
It is a really touching video… We are sponsoring one girl in Uganda, Africa and they only need $17 bucks to be able to live for a month. Unbelievable!
Thanks for sharing this. Its always great to help other people and make a difference in the world.
Its great to know there are people like these in this world. Its really inspiring.
It’s nice to see people helping others every once in a while
Finally, a cause that actually accomplishes something with the money that’s donated. Not to mention the effect it has on these peoples lives. Amazing.
$1500 to build a house! It goes to show you, in some countries you could afford to live comfortably on small budget
The thing what we should do for them is to create the mental power of them and create some way of their permanent problem solvency.
This is a great program that is really rewarding. I’d encourage everyone to do it.
its really a great program to encourage people to think about it…
There are only a few people who believe in setting examples for the entire human race . The act of the couple is commendable as they are not people who wish to hog the limelight rather believe in pursuing a cause they strongly believe in . Great work Guys, God Bless You.
I like the program. I wish it will turns out really great.
I really wish more people were like this. It would make the world a much better place. I hope that this post helps people realize that there is always more we can do to help others.
I am pleased to hear about the organization.I hope we should go with these organization to improving the lives of those living in rural Guatemala.
Wow they are really amazing. Thanks for bringing such a great post.
Nice piece of work. Keep it up
Thanks for sharing this touching video!
this helps and inspire people to do something good…
very good!
When I was 15, I went with my youth group to build a house South of Juarez with an organization called Casas Por Christo (Houses from Christ). . We stayed in a landfill and had to drive two hours to where we were building. It is one of the most important things I have ever done. The lady we built the house for, Maria, was so grateful. It inspired my life in so many ways! I graduate next semester with my undergraduate in MicroBiology and Philospphy and then I head of the medical school to study NeoNatal Surgery. My fiance is working on engineering solar energy. We plan to do a lot of work with underdeveloped countries. We only have one world so it makes sense to help each other out.
Thanks for sharing this…! It’s nice to be reminded that there are still good people out there.
I visited Guatemala twice. Once when I was fresh out of Uni and another time for business (and golf). I love how the people are so friendly and warm. I am yet to meet someone from Guatemala that I could say a bad word about.
Thats a very noble thing to do. They are such nice people, I am just amazed. The video is very touching. Thanks for the inspirational post.
Good that there are still caring people out there. Thanks for sharing !
The video is touching. Nice to see this sort of stuff.
What a great video! The world would be so much better if people were always like them!
Nice. I recently was invited to a foundation here in the Philippines. The foundation takes care of abandoned children.
I’m really not into this kind of stuff buy my wife is really into it and I’m slowly feeling compassion for these unfortunate people.
They asked me to help them have a *better* online presence. The foundation’s site is http://www.lovethechildrenfoundation.org. They just asked me to improve the site yesterday and I agreed to do it (for free, of course).
Thats such a good cause. Its nice to see people doing good things for other people around the world.
I think it is great when people can serve others and bring joy into their lives.
may god bless them
I used to work for a NGO in guatemala, and I can tell you they really need the help. Thanks for helping out people in need.
They were planning to adopt the baby or they decided when they arrived? is that easy do adopt a baby in guatemala? I was very happy with this post! The world needs love and piece! I
That is an awesome mission! I hope it goes well. What a rewarding and unique experience.
They adopted the baby almost 12 years ago and loved the country ever since then. I believe it used to be easier to adopt from Guatemala, but due to a number of things – it’s become more difficult.
- Lizzie
Wow – that’s such an awesome organization! Thanks for sharing!
That is so neat, I hope I can do that someday.
There are so many places I would like to see though if it wasn’t for that issue.
You friend is having some great and different experience. congratulation to your friend.
The world would be so much better if people were always like them!
That’s very good to know that helping someone will make a great change to the community. Keep on doing what you do and good luck
I only went for one week last summer. I shall be staying an additional week in order to do some more exploring of the country. In fact, this year they will be staying with a host family.
People like your friends are very important to this world. I admire all that they do and wish I was able to do more than I do now.
We can’t change the world but we sure can change the life of many people around us!
Congrat’s to your friend. I like what your friend did.
These ¨Building Home¨ projects in South America are growing in popularity, and if you talk to anyone who has taken part, they usually loved the experience. I like your article, and hope it generates some money in donations….but also important is that people consider being part of one of these home building volunteer projects. They are available in many different countries, and its a great way to travel and help people all at the same time.
Just if we had more people like your best friend Kate.
Thanks for posting info about state in Guatemala. Maybe someone will help even more.
Guatamela reminds me of some parts of the Philippines.
Such a noble Mission, I salute your group for this exceptional kind of community relation interaction.
There are so many places I would like to see though if it wasn’t for that issue.
Video is very touching and Im glad they have a new house now
Most of the poor live in cornstalk homes with a dirt floor. The volunteers are responsible for raising funds to build the concrete block homes. FHTH assemblies teams of three adults to provide the labor to build the homes. That was a great post indeed.
It’s very crazy to see such houses, I’m so happy I live in Canada. I feel sorry for those tiny houses, praise those that help people in need.
Laura
That is exactly what our world is LACKING!
Its sad to hear that people in underdeveloped countries are indurring such hardships. But there are always good people out there as your friend to help. My opinion on this is when you help others, others will later help you. Nice post and simply a great cause to take part in.
Very nice this is amazing
Thanks for posting info about state in Guatemala. Maybe someone will help even more.
I only went for one week last summer. I shall be staying an additional week in order to do some more exploring of the country. In fact, this year they will be staying with a host family.
Great work, its good to see people who want to help each other. I like this post.
I like your article, and hope it generates some money in donations….but also important is that people consider being part of one of these home building volunteer projects. They are available in many different countries, and its a great way to travel and help people all at the same time.
The world would be so much better if people were always like them
Guatemala rocks! I hope to go there one day. Nice website.
thnx for ur kidness and humanity to post a video like that and i hope the ppl will help and donate for those poor guys
Not everyone is poor in Guatemala but probably the majority. Is great to hear from people helping us.
About safe traveling, It’s safe to travel to Guatemala, just get a good advisor in what areas not to visit, probably not pretty anyway.
But without that, Guatemala is great for travel, go to Antigua
I don’t get it. How does something like that work?
Nice conversation!
What a fantastic story and program!
Angela Smith
6 homes???? Really? That’s an amazing summer.
My husband lost 50 lbs over the course of a year using advice from your blog. Thank you so much for your articles.
jordan
Hawaii Aloha Shirt seller
Wow, that is great. There really is a big difference between a house and a home. When I broke up with my girlfriend and moved into my new place the shelter wasn’t a home anymore
Wow, off topic but it is good to see people like you out there doing good.
Great Job, my friend took part in similar projects in Sri Lanka after the tsunami.
I agree. I live in a home and luckily, always have. But i know some people who think of my house as their home too because they just can’t stand their house. anyway. interesting topics.
Great work.
Nice keep it up
commendable deeds you guys should deserve credits for doing all these things to our less fortunate brothers and sisters
It’s so cheap there, I am so surprised at how much it cost them to live. Interesting article, thanks.
It’s no chance to fly to Guatemala these days, no tickets in UK airports
Nothing is so cool like travel to Guatemal per spring season. It’s my experience.
Thank you fo so cool post, I hope donations will help for that gays.
Your friends are great people! Thanks for sharing
I went to Guatemala as well last year in a trip with my wife and I remained impressed when I have seen all the beauty present in that place. I would love to go there again last year and in never felt sorry for the money I have spent.
You are so lucky to have friends like them. Indeed, adorable. Hope most of us would do the same to help our unfortunate fellows.
Great post there! Truly inspiring!
I have never been there in Guatemala, but my parents have been there.As what they have told me, it was such to visit that place in which families on every house considers their place not just only a place to live in but a foundation of a good family that they have called it a home.
I commend the compassion and determination shown by others towards their fellow man. If i had even an ounce of this charity then i would be a many times over better person.
This is an excellent story. So many organizations that claim to raise money for others keep about 90% for themselves and only give away the rest, so to hear about genuine honest programs to help people in need is more than refreshing.
Kate is an inspiration. She’s a role model. I admire her.