Connect the Hearts is proud to be in partnership with Adelante Juntos (Forward-Together) in providing aid and assistance to under-served and impoverished Guatemalan communities. The goal is to help these communities meet their basic human needs and improve the living conditions of their families, especially in the areas of Water, Sanitation and Health (WSH), as well as supporting childhood education.

Phase 1 – Completed – Connect the Hearts joined other volunteers in February 2024 in installing 100 high-efficiency stoves and distributing water filters to help combat the two leading causes of death and morbidity in women and children in Guatemala, respiratory disease due to inhalation of smoke from open fires and gastro-intestinal illnesses caused, in part, by drinking contaminated water.

Phase 2 – We plan to continue these efforts with our ongoing support, which includes:

Current phase – $25,000 fund raising effort in progress!

• We will be providing 31 sanitary water tanks to Los Cebollines to combat contamination of their drinking water. Each family only has access to running water for 2-3 hours every 4th day, so maintaining the quality of their stored water is critical to the health of family members.

• We are beginning support to a new community with significant needs, Las Peñas, located high in the mountains north of Jalapa. Our plan is to provide high-efficiency stoves and water filters to the 33 families living in this remote village. We initially plan to provide protection from the weather to their one-room schoolhouse by adding plastic panels.

Supporting the development of a well-based source of water to the colonia of Alcoba, whose only source of water is a natural spring. This year’s effort will include the design and development of the large holding tank located at the highest point in the community.

Our Phase 2 costs are estimated to be approx. $25,000 USD.  We are currently raising Donations for these costs.  This plan includes a trip to Guatemala in the September/October 2024 time frame to conduct the installation activities with support from the local Catholic church in Jalapa.

Future phases 3, 4, and 5 – will include development of a water distribution system in Las Peñas, completion of the well-based water system in Alcoba, researching and initiating alternatives to greatly enhance food insecurity and childhood malnutrition, advancements in childhood education, and additional quality of life improvements in our supported communities.

Phase 6 – Optional – Build a Catholic Church in the village of Las Penas, pending approval, plans, and additional Fund Raising.

You can learn more about our Guatemalan efforts at www.adelante-juntos.org.

Please consider making a donation here.