Building a House in 5 days
With our Structured Program
Our program is structured so that our volunteers can build an entire house, from start to finish in just 5 days. Working with our loyal team of construction workers, alongside the recipient family, volunteers of all ages can take part in this hands-on work experience. On the last day of the build, an intimate key presentation ceremony takes place in the finished house where volunteers present the keys to the family.
In the poorest areas of highland Guatemala, many indigenous families live in makeshift homes that are constructed of cornstalk, corrugated metal or cardboard, with nothing but dirt floors. Living in these conditions strips families of their dignity and hope. Further compounding the situation, this type of house fuels chronic health problems.
Excited children check out their new bunk bed in their new home
Our houses are made of cement and painted in bright colors chosen by the homeowner. Each home has a metal locking door, a skylight and a working window. We build in the villages surrounding Antigua, based on where the need is greatest at the time.
The 13 x 19-foot block homes are simple, yet they change the lives of our community members in ways that are even more profound than simply having a safe place to sleep. We provide our families with the dignity they need to face the future with hope.
Construction Schedule
Tuesday: Build 6-7 rows of blocks for the walls.
Wednesday: Build the balance of the wall blocks.
Thursday Morning: This is an easier build day, so we take all volunteers to visit Escuela Kemna’oj, the school built and operated by From Houses to Homes. When you return to the worksite, the only task for the day will be to pour the floor.
Friday Morning: While volunteers are painting the inside and outside of the home, our men will install the door, window, and roof. A dedication ceremony will be held at the end of the day when you will present the keys to your family’s new home.
Results
- Since 2004, Houses to Homes Guatemala has built a total of 2100 homes for needy families as of March 2025
- Since becoming a Registered Charity in May 2019 and up to March 2025, From Houses to Homes Canada has built 50 homes and changed the lives of those families
- Although we were unable to travel in 2020, 2021 & most of 2022 we continued fund-raising and were able to build 12 homes during the Covid pandemic
- We will increase our activity and fund-raising now that travel has become possible again
Can’t Travel to Guatemala?
For benefactors who fund and dedicate a home, we can offer a virtual presence for those who cannot come to Guatemala in person for whatever reason. Our masons will build the house and send daily progress photos. The key handover ceremony held on Friday will be videoed and emailed to the benefactor who can also send a video in advance to be presented to the family during the key ceremony for the new home. Live streaming is not available due to lack of internet in most build locations.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Howard Winters, Co-founder
Jeannelle Romain, Co-founder
Jack MacDonald, Owner Whitetail Golf Club, Ontario Region
Perri-Rae Boell, Cooperators Insurance, Ontario Region
Brenda Thomas, Director, BC Region
Deborah Bell, Director
Oscar Mejia, Director, De Casas a Hogares, Guatemala
We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. To join our board or for additional information, please contact us at:
613-295-8618
34 Watchorn Drive, Box 241, Beachburg, Ontario K0J 1C0