Our Humanitarian Relief work began in November 2019, after Hurricanes Eta and Iota struck within days of each other.  The region was devastated by massive flooding and mudslides.  Entire communities were destroyed and thousands of families were left homeless.   GFD began sending funds so our local partner, Fundenor, could help feed and care for hungry, homeless families with hot meals.  

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Then, just a few short months later, COVID-19 hit.  Guatemala responded by closing all roads, schools, and services.  For Indigenous rural Guatemalans, this made an already difficult life, nearly impossible.  Access to food, income, medicine, and basic supplies was cut off.  Rates of malnutrition, disease, infant mortality, and crime rose rapidly.  

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But so did our Humanitarian Aid!  As GFD sent funds, Fundenor staff hand-selected nutritious foods to pack into bags for distribution.  They traveled to 25 different communities with relief efforts,  many are 6 hours round trip over mountainous, rugged terrain.     Food bags include rice, beans, vegetables, pasta, flour, enriched milk-protein powder, oil, coffee, cornmeal, and sugar. Supply bags included toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, feminine products,  toilet paper, shaving kit, combs, and basic first aid supplies.  

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While life in Guatemala has returned to "normal", the extra burden of the hurricanes and COVID continue to remain.  Malnourishment and infant mortality rates are rising.  The suffering is obvious on the faces of children and their mothers.  GFD also remains committed to our mission and vision.