Throughout the summer and fall of 2020, the number of COVID-19 cases in Guatemala grew rapidly. While in the department of Quiché, where we regularly support, the number of cases was only a small percentage, these communities continued to face challenges. Many families did not have a steady income before this. When most of the country shut down, many no longer had work or did not have enough work, leaving them unable to care for their loved ones.
In July, we sent $5,000 for food assistance. Our partner ASUVI (Asociación Unidos por la Vida) prepared and delivered food kits to 142 families.* Each kit included the basic necessities: corn, beans, rice, salt, oil, pasta, hygiene items, soap, and masks. Thanks to the continued generosity of our supporters, we were able to send additional funds. In October, ASUVI delivered food kits to 137 more families.*
The Families We Helped
- About 35% had women, widows, and single mothers as the heads of household. Without us, they would not have been given food assistance because the municipal programs only supported those who were married and gave the help to the husbands.
- About 27.5% were the elderly who live alone. Their children could no longer send them money to buy food.
- 25% had no economic resources nor job opportunities. They were unable to harvest corn and beans the previous year, due to less rain from climate change.
- 10% had a relative with a chronic disease. They needed to consistently buy medications, so they could live without being in pain.
* Communities who received kits include Las Joyas, Las Cruces Sajma, and Panchúm of the municipality of Joyabaj; Agua Tibia II of the municipality of Chinique; Tulul Ché III of the municipality of Chiché; Mirador Chontalá, Chujupen, and Chilimá of the municipality of Chichicastenango; Cosibal and the urban area of the municipality of Santa Cruz del Quiché; Chicocol of the municipality of Zaculpa; Chusanyab II of the municipality of de San Andrés Sajcabajá.
