What have we done with the emergency funds?

I am sure many of you who responded to our pleas for emergency funding are wondering how Ayudamos has responded to the tragedy of Panabaj. We were fortunate to have raised several thousands of dollars in our emergency fundraising efforts.

We came up with a plan that was executed almost immediately upon my arrival, by Lesley and me.

We (in conjunction with Cojolya) have located and provided rental housing for four weaving families who have have lost everything. We have agreed to share the rental cost with Cojolya for six months until a more permanent solution is available.

Ayudamos has purchased, beds, matresses, blankets, kitchen utensils and necessities, wardrobes, chairs, tables, traditional clothing for the women, men's and boys clothing, shoes, water jugs, comales (for cooking tortillas), weaving looms, patates (reed mats) for sitting, and more. In addition we are undertaking some improvements on the rental properties such as, digging latrines, creating a temporary kitchen cooking area, repairing a window, and building a divider in one of the houses for privacy. Too bad there isn't a Landlord Tenant Act in Guatemala!

For the long-term solution, we have applied for funding from the Government of Canada to purchase land and build more houses. We will keep our fingers crossed!

We have some of our emergency funds left and will use them as needed in the short term. If we are able to purchase the land and build more houses any funds remaining will go towards that.