Build a Home

After visiting Guatemala and experiencing the sub-standard living conditions first hand, we could not get the indelible picture of poverty out of our mind. In a country filled with breathtaking volcanoes, verdant hillsides, tight-knit families, traditions and pride, most of the indigenous people were living in squalor. The government programs to help the poor were, and continue to be, either ineffective, inadequate, or discriminatory.

After volunteering for several years we realized that we could be more effective in attracting donations to help the poor by becoming a Canadian Registered Charity.  In May 2019, From Houses to Homes Canada Limited became a Registered Charity in Canada. The first Canadian donated home was built in 2019 by Howard and Jeannelle, along with the help of some regular builders from the Dream Team, a group of regular volunteers from the Ottawa valley.

Our Purpose

The Primary purpose of the corporation is to build small basic houses for impoverished indigenous Guatemalan families, houses that become the homes they never dreamed they could have. From Houses to Homes Canada also relieves poverty and advances education by providing school supplies and materials for their children.

Homes

The organization sends funding to Guatemala to buy the materials needed for a 3.96 metre X 5.79 metres (13’X19′) cinder block home that includes a concrete floor, window, locking metal door, fibreglass panel roof, cement cook stove, water purifier, bunk beds and a monthly food provision of basic food items for the first year.   A thorough selection process is administered by our local Director in Guatemala.

Most selected families have two or more children under the age of ten. None of the families selected would ever have the means to build their own home. Our director in Guatemala supervises all construction. The house is erected within 5 days, Monday to Friday.  The keys are given to the family on Friday afternoon.