Hometown Habitat News

We Went to Guatemala!

 
From June 15–21, a team from Habitat Lake-Sumter traveled to Ciénaga Grande, Chimaltenango to build alongside Habitat for Humanity Guatemala—and honestly, it’s hard to put the experience into words (but we’ll try!).
 
Over the course of the week, we poured 6 concrete floors and helped improve the living conditions of 8 incredible families.
 
But what we really built was something bigger than concrete and bricks—we built connection. With the families, with each other, and with the mission we all believe in. There were long days, lots of laughter, plenty of blisters, and a few dance breaks in between.
 
There was also so much gratitude—from the families, the local Habitat team, and every volunteer who got to be part of something truly meaningful.
 
Our team stopped for a photo at Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross) in Antigua, Guatemala—an iconic spot overlooking the city from 300 feet above.
Our team stopped for a photo at Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross) in Antigua, Guatemala—an iconic spot overlooking the city from 300 feet above.
We shared lunch and laughter with families in the community—one of the many meaningful moments from our time in Guatemala.
We shared lunch and laughter with families in the community—one of the many meaningful moments from our time in Guatemala.
 

Lacie Himes, Development Director at Habitat Lake-Sumter, shares some of the moments that stood out most during the trip:

“We partnered with Habitat Guatemala to provide healthy housing solutions for families in Chimaltenango. Each morning, we met with the community advocate and the families that we would be working alongside. After introductions, we gathered up materials and safety gear for the day and walked to the homes we would be working at. Healthy housing solutions in Guatemala include concrete floors, smokeless stoves, water filtration systems, and latrines. We hand-mixed the concrete and worked with a local mason to pour the concrete floors, build the stoves, and construct the latrines. My favorite part was working on the concrete projects, meeting the Habitat Guatemala team, and working alongside the families. In many ways, Habitat Guatemala is very similar to Habitat Lake-Sumter. They build new homes and also provide healthy housing kits to families who may not be eligible for new construction—just like our Homeownership and Preservation & Repair programs. At the end of our trip, we were invited to lunch with the neighborhood. The families welcomed us in with firecrackers, balloons, and a delicious homemade meal. We heard from one of the homeowners, Cindy, who shared her heartfelt gratitude for the difference her new concrete kitchen floor will make for her family. While the solutions may look different, the mission of providing more stable, decent, and healthy housing for all remains the same.”

And one moment really stuck with her:

“We visited the site of a future Habitat neighborhood that’s being built in Guatemala—with support from local partners and Habitat affiliates across Florida. We learned that nearly half of the country (47%) is without electricity, but the homes Habitat Guatemala is building will include access to electricity, filtered water, and many other essentials. I hope to return and volunteer on that construction site in the near future.”

Thinking about joining a Global Village Trip? Lacie offers this advice: 

“If you’re considering a volunteer trip, I highly recommend going with Habitat for Humanity. Because you’re working with a local nonprofit—Habitat Guatemala in this case—you’re not just lending a hand, you’re supporting local efforts that truly make a difference. The projects are led by the local team, so you know the work is impactful and the housing solutions are tailored to each family’s needs. Whether you love to travel or it’s your first time abroad, the most important thing is to stay open. Be ready to learn, to experience something new, to embrace the culture, and to connect—with the families, your fellow volunteers, and the team leaders. You’ll learn more than you ever expected… and be ready to work hard!”

Thinking about getting involved?
 
This trip was part of Habitat’s Global Village program—where volunteers have the chance to travel, work alongside local families, and experience the heart of Habitat in a whole new way.
 
It’s not just about building homes (though we do plenty of that)—it’s about building relationships, sharing stories, and learning from one another. If this sounds like something you’d love to be part of, keep an eye out.
 
We can’t wait to share where we’re heading next.