FOCUS
Rebuilding communities after disasters

MDGs ADDRESSED
MDG 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
MDG 3: Promote gender equality and empower women
MDG 4: Reduce child mortality
MDG 8: Create a global partnership for development

OVERVIEW
In October 2005, Hurricane Stan hit northern Central America with heavy rains and powerful winds, triggering floods and demolishing buildings in its path. An estimated 700 people were killed in Guatemala, and 35,000 homes were destroyed. The loss of life, property, and the devastation to the infrastructure was compounded by the fact that more than half (56%) of Guatemalans were already living in poverty without adequate housing, sanitation, and health care. The majority of Guatemala’s poor is of indigenous Amerindian descent, and has experienced discrimination and exploitation for generations.

Our PARTNER
Episcopal Relief and Development’s partner is the Diocese of Guatemala, which serves the entire country, and consists of 8,000 members in 38 congregations with approximately thirty clergy and forty lay readers. Episcopal Relief and Development and the diocese have been working together on a comprehensive response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Stan, while looking toward developing long-term sustainable projects in the future.

Our PAST ACHIEVEMENTS
In the immediate wake of Hurricane Stan, Episcopal Relief and Development supplied funds to purchase food, water, and blankets for families in 20 communities. After the disaster, Episcopal Relief and Development partnered with the Episcopal Diocese of Guatemala to rebuild housing in one of the affected communities.

Episcopal Relief and Development rebuilt and repaired the homes of 74 families with labor provided by the beneficiary families.

• Nineteen new 435 square foot two-bedroom concrete block homes were built.
• Fifty-five roofs were repaired or replaced.