Interview with Xela Affiliate

Meet the Affiliate, an interview with Angel Boj, administrator of Habitat Guatemala’s Quetzaltenango (Xela) Affiliate.

Why did you decide to work for Habitat for Humanity?Well, first because I was given the opportunity to work with the organization! Over the years it has been satisfying to help the families served by Habitat, to be an instrument in the hands of God by helping one’s neighbor, and to do one’s part to help these families realize their dream of seeing their home built and their children living a better life.

Who works at your affiliate?

In total, there are six people on our team. We have two promotors in charge of family selection, following up on paperwork, and making sure everything is in order before, during, and after the construction of the home.

We have one secretary who talks to those interested in applying for a home and who receives monthly mortgage payments. There is also an employee in San Juan Ostuncalco (a town on the outskirts of Xela, the capital of the department) who takes care of the reception of payments near that community. Finally, we have someone in charge of accounting, and of course myself the administrator. I am in charge of managing all activities within the affiliate, and coordinating with other administrators and the National Office.

What is the housing situation like in Quetzaltenango?

There is high demand for decent housing here, but sadly there are families who can’t build a home due to their limited financial resources. These people often live in inhumane conditions, constructing make-shift shacks from pieces of cardboard, corrugated roofing sheets, wood boards, and nylon to protect themselves from the elements. Often they suffer from respiratory illnesses and other health problems, the majority of which affect children and the elderly.

Do lots of Global Village groups come to Quetzaltenango? What are they and what do they do?

Global Village volunteers are groups of students, adults, and professionals who travel long distances to help Guatemalan families in the construction of their homes. About 12 to 15 groups come to Quetzaltenango each year. They help in the construction of the family’s home, filling in the foundation, putting up the walls, and sometimes working on the roof and floor. The most important support they give is the demonstration of loving one’s neighbor that they share with the people of Guatemala.

What could the groups bring with them to help the people of Guatemala?

The support they bring to the family simply by coming, building, and sharing is more than enough. If they felt the need to help more, we can always use office supplies like digital cameras, or tools for future GV groups. It’s even better to buy tools here in Guatemala and donate them to the affiliates so that you support local businesses.

Do you remember something funny that happened with a Global Village team?

Once in Cantel (a town near Xela), the family had made lunch, accompanied by tamales, for the team. The tamales were wrapped in corn husks, as is the custom here. The team didn’t know that you have to take the corn husk off before you eat the tamale, so they started to eat the tamales, corn husk and all! We had to explain to them that you have to remove the wrapper first!

What is the ultimate goal of the Quetzaltenango Affiliate?

We want to keep growing so that we can help more families, as the need is very great.