Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity invites you to join an International Global Village trip to Quetzaltenango, Guatemala from March 7–14, 2026. This is a powerful opportunity to serve alongside the local community, where we will be working on critical home improvements, helping to foster dignity and stability for a family in need.
The Challenge: Addressing Guatemala's Housing Needs
Guatemala faces significant housing needs that affect millions. The national housing deficit exceeds 2.2 million homes, meaning that for many families, especially the 60% of the population living below the poverty line, secure shelter remains out of reach.
In this region, many homes lack basic necessities. Millions of people struggle without access to safe drinking water, functional toilets, and electricity. Crucially, approximately 6% of households in Latin America and the Caribbean still have dirt floors, which can lead to serious illnesses, particularly in children and older adults. Additionally, the common practice of cooking with open fires inside the home creates smoke-filled environments that contribute to chronic respiratory illnesses.
Your work directly tackles these issues. Habitat for Humanity is uniquely positioned to address this scale of need. In a single year, Habitat Guatemala is able to serve over 64,900 individuals through various construction projects. Join us to be part of the solution that provides not only shelter but also the basic human necessities of health and security.
Project Impact: Floors and Stoves
On this trip, our projects will focus on two life-changing improvements:
- Installing Concrete Floors: Our work is part of the "100,000 Floors to Play On" initiative - a commitment to replace 100,000 dirt floors with concrete floors across Latin America and the Caribbean by 2028. Replacing a dirt floor significantly reduces the incidence of infectious disease, parasites, and respiratory issues, creating a healthy and dignified environment.
- Building Improved Stoves: We will also be installing improved, smokeless stoves. These stoves dramatically reduce indoor air pollution compared to open fires, safeguarding the respiratory health of mothers and children who spend the most time in the home.
Your Opportunity: Trip Details
You are invited to join a dedicated team in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala's second-largest city, nestled in the Western Highlands. This trip is an immersion into a rich culture and a chance to truly connect with the families you're serving.
Destination Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Dates March 7-14, 2026
Cost US $1,415 for Thrivent Benefit Members / US $1,865 for all others
Deposit Due $250 deposit is due by December 27th, 2025
Final Payment January 21st, 2026
Arrival Details Arrive at La Aurora Guatemala (GUA) by 3 p.m. on March 7th
IMPORTANT Airfare is not included in the cost of the trip. Please DO NOT purchase your airline tickets until Kathleen O’Leary gives the official go-ahead.
Ready to Join Us? Essential Links
Your participation will help break the cycle of poverty and give a family a foundation for a healthier, more stable future.
- Registration: https://trips.habitat.org/events/item/57/631
- Payment/Fundraising Page: http://helpbuild.habitat.org/site/TR?fr_id=3827&pg=entry
- Policies: https://www.habitat.org/volunteer/travel-and-build/global-village/resources/payment-cancellation-policies
- Questions? Contact Kathleen O’Leary directly at 303-674-1127 ext 1
