There is a small community near the city of Ahuachapán on the western edge of El Salvador where 632 people are living in very substandard conditions. The majority of the families have monthly incomes between $100 & $200. Many adults work as housekeepers, security guards and vendors in the market. The community has a housing deficit of more than 50%; many families live in metal shacks or bamboo-mud structures.
Nonetheless, the community is blessed with empowered leaders with great vision. Through sheer determination, they have completed major projects like electrification, land legalization for the majority of families & household potable water. Still, there is a very long road to travel.
Myers Park Presbyterian Church and Habitat for Humanity El Salvador are partnering as the two anchors in a holistic three-year project, collaborating with the Getsemaní community leaders to ensure that their priorities and hopes are foremost.
In addition to providing a total of 90 housing solutions, “Strengthening the Getsemaní Community” partnership includes the development and implementation of sustainable programs in values education, community health, micro-entrepreneurship, community leadership, and cultural exchange with national and international groups.
The holistic nature of this partnership provides opportunities for many partners, both locally and internationally, including local government and other organizations from the non-profit and private sector. Please prayerfully consider your strengths and where they can be put to good use in this amazing expression of God at work in our world.
We invite you to visit the Strengthening the Getsemaní Community blog for more information and updates: http://habitatelsalvador.wordpress.com.