Projects Guatemala Home Rebuilding Project - Hurricane Stan
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Home Rebuilding Project - Hurricane Stan Print E-mail
Tuesday, 08 September 2009 07:50
Earlier this summer, the final phase of construction was completed. 40 homes are constructed and each home has electricity and water. While the government's policies changed and people were no longer required to help in the construction, they did help in laying water pipes through the community.



In October of 2005, Hurricane Stan devastated the Western Highlands of Guatemala. Road access was severely curtailed as mudslides wiped out sections of roads and bridges. In the community of El Cedro in San Marcos, pastor Román Ardiano appealed for help. 50 families had lost their homes or were living in high risk locations. Initially the concern was food and the emergency committee of Bethel Presbyterian church responded through the generous giving of Word and Deed. Once the emergency relief had satisfied that need, a series of meetings was held with the affected families. It was evident that they needed to be relocated to safer areas. Additionally, some people had lost their hillside plots that used for planting corn.
Talks were held with the governement and housing ministry. In order to achieve legal status required by law, the emergency committee of Bethel formed a non-government organization that today is known as Asociación SAQ B'E. Word and Deed funded the purchase of part of a farm that would allow people a place to build, as well as a place to plant.

Putting considerable pressure on the government through regular meetings in Guatemala City with high ranking officials ensured that a road system was put in place and the lots were divided up. Then the government changed hands... and we needed to begin again.

After numerous setbacks and failed promised, construction finally began in late 2008. This summer, the 40 families who agreed to move to this new community took ownership of their homes. SAQ B'E was not involved in the construction of the houses, but was a recognized partner in the process. Not only were we able to provide land through Word and Deed's generosity, but, under God's blessing, we played a key role in ensuring that these families received a home. The leadership of the community is keenly aware of that role and we have earned a permament place in the hearts of the people. In the months ahead we will continue to meet with them and help them with the transition to a new future.
 
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