Smoke from outdoor stoves fills the home of Maria Marcelina and family

Dulce Maria Miranda lives in this inadequate shelter

El Tablón SustainabilityPhase VI: Housing, Sanitation, Potable Water, Vocational Training, Educational Improvements

El Tablón, Guatemala 

Dulce Maria Miranda and Maria Marcelina (shown in pictures above) live in tremendously impoverished circumstances in El Tablon. They are examples of the continuing need for housing, water, food and income generating support in this community. 

Since 2017, with the support of many generous donors, 110 newly-constructed and 34 totally-renovated homes have been built in El Tablón.  Additionally, we saw the completion of 10 chicken farms, 6 pig farms, 50 vegetable gardens, planting of 550 fruit trees, and significant repairs to the roof of the community church.  

From the beginning we have seen God's hand in advancing this community, pushing back against the deprivation and tragedy that is an ever-present aspect of daily life in El Tablón.  As donors, you are at the forefront of executing God's plan for these poorest among us. None of what has been accomplished would have been possible without your generous contributions. 

Please join us as we embark upon this latest project to raise up the poorest of the poor.  Please note that 100% of your donation will go toward the completion of this project.  

Project Goal
This multi-phase project will enable El Tablon to become a truly sustainable community, meeting all basic needs while providing income-generating training to support the community on an ongoing basis.  Specifically, 15 impoverished families will receive new homes, latrines, sinks, furniture, and fruit trees. We will address the dire need for potable water in El Tablon.  Establish vocational training programs and proviide school enhancements to ensure a strong foundation for sustainability.    

Project Description

The El Tablón Phase VI is the latest installation of a comprehensive program to develop this area in order to improve the health and security of marginalized residents. 

The project entails:

• Legalization of property documents
• Construction of 15 two-bedroom houses with water collection, sanitation, eco-kitchens, furniture, and 75 fruit trees
• Install rainwater collection systems and eco-kitchens in 40 homes
• Provide accessible, drinkable water to the entire community through wells or aqueduct repairs
• Vocational training, including building and equipment 
• Agricultural/ animal husbandry support (feed, fertilizer, etc.)
• Provide necessary upgrades to the church

Total Project Costs: $505,000 

Note: All donations receive a matching food donation for a needy country

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Guatemala

The largest country in Central America, Guatemala is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere.  With nearly 60% of the population living below the poverty level, Guatemala has one of the highest rates of chronic child malnutrition in the world. Guatemala‘s severe food insecurity and lack of accessible, affordable medical care has led to high infant, child, and maternal mortality rates. 

El Tablón, Villa Nueva

El Tablón is a small community of 1,400 inhabitants (around 300 families) located in the south of Guatemala, 10 miles from the city of Villa Nueva, which has a population over 618,000 people. Most of the population in El Tablón works in agriculture and informal trade, earning inadequate wages to support a whole family. 

Most houses in El Tablón are made of wood and sticks with sheet metal roofs and dirt floors.  These structures provide inadequate shelter and are breeding grounds for sickness and disease.  Many large families live in overcrowded conditions, often in a single room, while sharing laundry sinks, toilets, electricity, and potable water with neighboring families. 

The illiteracy rate is high and school attendance low in the municipality of Villa Nueva.  This is particularly true for girls.  However, it has been proven that by providing stable living conditions, including access to potable water and increased food security, school attendance for young children is increased.  El Tablón is fortunate to have a school in the community that covers grades 1 through 9.   

Building Homes and Changing Lives in El Tablón

Together - Food For The Poor, Caritas (the in-country partner), and you - we can improve the quality of life for our brothers and sisters in Guatemala.

*** It is important to note that 100% of the funds you generously contribute will be used toward completion of this project. ***

Contributions are tax-deductible under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3).

Want to help? Please click the DONATE button at the top of this page now.

The process is fast, easy, and secure. We truly appreciate any support you can provide. It is truly life-changing for these families!

Help us reach our goal by sharing this page on Facebook and Twitter! Or, even better, send an e-mail to friends you think might be interested in contributing and include a link to our page!

Thanks so much for your generosity! Together, we can change the world!

Donating online is fast, easy, and totally secure. If you would prefer to send a check please mail it to:

FFP - El Tablon Housing
P. O. Box 497
Kaneohe, HI 96744

***Write on the check's memo line SC 157028 ensure proper tracking.

VIDEOS PROVIDING VISUAL CONTEXT:

***Four short videos illustrate the great need, heartfelt gratitude, beauty, and spirituality of these projects. Our 2021 Virtual Mission Trip (VMT) to Guatemala provides a longer, more in-depth perspective.  

• Hope in El Tablon (Can't miss: Showing the incredible progress to date)
• Grateful Mothers
• Maria Antonia Story
• Guatemala Mission 2018
• VMT - Guatemala (2021)
• Miriam Moving Forward

Maria Antonia's Family

Miriam's Story