Integral Heart Foundation-
It is hard to know where to give and the Integral Heart Family is ranked on the Global Giving as a top charity AND knowing the people who are on the ground and what they are doing day to day helps. There can be so much red tape to get funds to people with many organizations.
Organizations that are deeply rooted in local communities are in the best position to provide long-term support for survivors of natural disasters like this eruption. By funding the relief efforts of local organizations, donations to this fund have the potential to build stronger response capacity so that these organizations are better equipped to face future challenges.
Update- 6/10/18
We are humbled by the outpouring of help. The good wishes and the desire to send help in any capacity.
Integral Heart Foundation has committed to funding the rescue center in Alotenago for 5 weeks. This gives everyone who was displaced a chance to come to senses with this tragedy and find footing to move forward.
This support is on top of the already funded school and outreach programs normally run by Integral Heart. The school will open again on the 11th.
Here in Guatemala, the local markets are filled with things that meet the needs of many people. In a land where you can rent a home for less than $2000USD a year, a little goes a long way.
Shipping things from other countries is hard and very costly, often incurring difficult paperwork with customs and importation taxes.
As an example; This is a partial list of what we can get at our market when we shop on a daily basis. Each donation has the ability to make much impact.
20- US Dollars = 150 Guatemalan Quetzals
This $20(150q) easily buys at the market-- This is from the market at San Pedro where we shop.
15lbs Potatoes (15q)
10lbs Tomatoes (10q)
10lbs Carrots (10q)
5lbs Onions (15q)
3 bunches Brocolli (9q)
3 large bunches of Spinach (10q)
7 large Cucumbers (5q)
1lbs Peas (10q)
3lbs Black Beans (15q)
20 Bananas (10q)
10 Mangos (10q)
4lbs Rice (12q)
8 Small loaves of local made bread (8q)
1lb local made cheese (15q)
This is a lot of stuff for 20 bucks in any country. Here feeding these displaced people is just as immediate as our need for medical supplies.
So much love and light to you all for your support of Integral Heart Foundation.
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Frim Mick Live update 10am Monday 6th: We are on the phone right now with our staff who are close to the volcano in Alotenango: Here is their report:1. Both bridges before and after main entrance to Renunion Golf Course are gone.
2. The villages of San Miguel los Lotes, El Rodeo, El Porvenir, San Diego, Candelaria are either inudated with ash or lava with people still trapped (essentially all the towns on the main road west of Renunion).
3. 7,000 estimated people stranded in Alotenango alone.
4. The fire department has issued a warning for Escuintla because the lava is suspected to be gone under ground and making its way down hill.
5. Altotenango is still closed off.
6. For now the volcano is quiet....there could be 20,000 in these villages curently unreachable since the roads are gone
update- June 4, 2018 - What started as a normal fundraising event has now turned to help these kids who are in the path of the eruptions and devastations from Volcano Fuego this week. Every penny helps, not only are these kids displaced but scared and isolated.
The Mission
Our mission is to change a culture from the inside out through person-to-person sponsoring and educational programs that include the development of mind, body, spirit, and emotions. We see our work as the beginning of a multi-generational movement whose leaders are empowered to preserve cultural beauty and diversity and to embrace personal responsibility in a global context.
For those who do not know me, my name is Eric.
When I first came to Guatemala, my reasons for coming were truly temporary. It was a free trip to a place I knew nothing about. I came to visit a non-profit and understand how they worked, to see the plight of people who suffered. I NEVER planned to stay here, it was not a thought, nor a plan. Yet, 10 years later, here I am, still.
During my time here, I have seen and learned things that I will process for the rest of my life. I am sure these lessons will keep coming as I stay here longer, as I do not intend to leave. This is a developing country and I hope to help it develop into a country of lasting strength, peace, and love.
My inspiration was immediately shown to me when I came here.
In 2009, I met a guy named Luke, he was fresh out of college and down here doing the work of heroes. We were instant friends and my admiration for the work he did was inspiring as he worked to save kids in need. That same year, I met a man named Mikey who told me of his plan to start a non-profit that was designed to help youth succeed. Well, all these years later, these two have been doing some major things together. At this point in my life, I have joined the team, I believe in the people and the purpose. Integral Heart Foundation is a true diamond in the world of shining a light on kids and helping them find a future that benefits the world around them.
I am proud to be a part of this and am asking that you all take some time to help us, help the kids. They need it and a little goes a long way when we all join forces. If you can spare, share and care- that would be a great way to use our entire network to bring real change to real people.
Join me in changing the world, one child at a time.
Eric
