HELPS, International, Stove Team to Guatemala

VPC partners with Helps International and the people of Guatemala to foster hope and health through the placement of water filters and safe, efficient stoves in homes and schools.
For centuries, people in third-world countries have cooked using open fires on the floors of their small homes. This is the cause of medical and environmental problems:

• burns

• severe respiratory problems

• air pollution

• rapid deforestation

The Onil stove was developed in recognition of these problems. Being raised off the floor and vented, it drastically reduces the risk of burns and smoke inhalation. Ecologically, it is 70% more efficient than an open fire thereby decreasing deforestation and greenhouse gases, plus saving money or time spent in gathering firewood.

If you would like to join the stove team, the dates for 2023 are March 11 - 20. You do not need to know Spanish nor possess any particular technical skills. On-the-job training is provided. There is a great deal of walking on dirt paths at an altitude of 5,000 feet or more. People with heart disease, COPD, advanced knee or hip arthritis are not appropriate candidates. Each individual is responsible for his/her airfare, meals, lodging, and transportation expenses; the estimated total is around $1100 plus airfare and evacuation insurance. At this time proof of vaccination is required for any volunteers working in Guatemala.
If you would like to donate to the project, any amount is appreciated. If you would like to know what specific items’ costs are:

• Stove $190

• Water Filter $60

• Family combo $250

In addition to the joy of installing stoves and water filters in homes, we will deliver small gifts to the children at the Helps school who are supported by members of our congregation, and medical supplies and knitted goods from Knit One Pray Too to the neighboring clinic.

For information about the stove project:
Jim Weeks: 941 914 4188
Lois Weeks: 320 250 3363
For information about sponsoring a student:
Email Cheryl Weeks-Rosten using the button below.
For information about Helps International: www.helpsintl.org