HELPS International is a 501-(c3) nonprofit providing enduring programs of practical, social and spiritual value to people in the developing world through a system of partnership and mutual responsibility.

HELPS is guided by our strong commitment to service and the belief that we serve others best by working alongside them as they move toward independence. They believe that handouts don’t work as well as helping people help themselves does.

https://www.helpsintl.org/

Our team has a history of traveling to the farther mountainous Mayan villages, where need is greatest.

This has focused our efforts in the Quiche and Alta Verapaz regions.

A typical mission is focused in the later part of February and involves 10-11 days.

We fly into Guatemala on a Saturday, and travel 7-8 hours on Sunday by bus(es) to the region we’ll serve. We’ll also o a practice build and inventory tool bags Sunday night.

Monday to Thursday are travels by bus / pickup trucks to villages where each sub-team will install stovs and water filters in 5 homes.

Friday begins with installing a large capacity stove in school and water filters in each classroom; working to provide clean water continuity between homes and schools. We then install stoves and water filters in 2 more houses. Friday wraps up with a cleaning / inventorying of tools for next use.

Saturday is a return bus trip to Antigua, followed by 1-2 days of exploring the Guatemalan culture in / around the Antigua area.

Finally, a return airline flight back home on Monday or Tuesday.

HELPS International considers SAFETY a number one concern for every volunteer. They are diligent to operate in “safe” regions. They do arrange a preventative security escort into and out of Guatemala City.

HELPS requires that volunteers be 18+, (or 16+ if accompanied by a parent or guardian).

You need to be in relatively good shape; though not to the level of an athlete.

We are usually in areas of higher altitude, around 6000 to 9000 ft. So, those with heart or lung conditions may find it more difficult to function.

Also, due to the amount of very uneven terrain, hills to climb, and the long workdays, anyone with any profound physical handicaps may find it difficult to navigate.

We typically work in volunteers sub-teams of 3 plus 1-2 interpreters. Stove construction involves moving cinder blcks, poured concrete pieces managed by two people, and ladder work - in a commonly dark, sooty environment.

For all volunteers, immunizations recommended beyond the routine vaccines (i.e. Covid-19, DPT, Flu, MMR, Tetanus) are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid. We are currently not working in a malaria zone.

You can consult the CDC website for current recommendations.

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/guatemala#vaccines-and-medicines

It is not required; although communication is more rewarding when you can speak the local language.

We arrange for translators. Since we are dealing with the indigenous population, we need “3-way” translations between the Mayan dialect to Spanish to English and visa versa.

We ask our vounteers to cover their airfare, travel insurance, room & board, ground transportation, and HELPS support staff. Total cost varies a bit year to year but you should expect about $2500.

Additional funds for the stoves and water filters (~$300 US) are garnered through fundraising; typicaly through churches.