Asociacion Constru Casa

Constru Casa, founded in 2004 by Caroline van Heerde, is dedicated to improving the lives of Guatemalans in extreme poverty through holistic community development. Our core programs include:

• Construction of Dignified Houses

• Community Building Construction

• Support Programs

Mission

To improve the lives of Guatemalans in extreme poverty by providing basic housing, support programs, and community development projects focused on health and education.

Vision

A Guatemala without poverty, exclusion, and dependency. Families achieve stability through community development in housing, education, and healthcare.

Constru Casa

Constru Casa is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Guatemalans facing extreme poverty through the provision of essential housing, support programs, and community development projects. We strive to uplift entire communities from poverty by implementing comprehensive community development programs. These initiatives encompass the construction of dignified concrete block housing, complemented by the development of community structures such as schools, clinics, orphanages, and community centers.

Current Initiatives

• Building Houses: Constructing earthquake-resistant homes with customizable designs, climate resilience, and a 4-year follow-up program.

• Community Construction: Supporting the construction of schools, clinics, and community centers, working closely with partner organizations.

• Support Programs: Offering a comprehensive 4-year follow-up program, water filters, improved cooking stoves, and ongoing community support.

Our collaborative endeavors with local social work organizations underscore our unwavering commitment to support the ongoing development of families and communities. Through our active engagement, we contribute to guiding them on the journey toward a more luminous and promising future.

Impact of Our Work

Transformative changes for families and communities, providing new opportunities and a fresh start.

Community Development

Constru Casa places a strong emphasis on community-wide development. Our comprehensive programs are strategically crafted to foster a holistic and integrated approach to community growth. These initiatives encompass a diverse range of construction projects, including multiple housing units and community buildings. Collaborating closely with community partner organizations, Constru Casa actively engages in identifying the primary needs of the community and actively participates in crafting solutions.

Constructing Durable and Customized Homes

Our newly built homes boast robust concrete block walls, reliable corrugated iron roofs, and solid concrete floors, presenting families with a versatile array of choices. Ranging from one to three rooms, with or without a bathroom, these designs are meticulously crafted to cater to the specific needs of each family. Engineered to withstand earthquakes and harsh climates, these residences emerge as ideal living spaces for families grappling with extreme poverty. The success of our homes is attributed to meticulous design planning and the continuous four-year follow-up program, providing ongoing support long after the construction phase concludes.

Community Infrastructure Development

Constru Casa actively collaborates with partner organizations in supporting community development and construction initiatives. These community constructions serve vital social and communal functions, particularly in areas of health and education, benefiting the entire community. Such constructions encompass diverse structures like schools, libraries, day care centers, community hubs, medical clinics, orphanages, and recreational areas. In tandem with community constructions, we provide comprehensive services, including initial consulting, needs assessment, building design, construction supervision, and project management.

Typically, partnering organizations present these community center projects to Constru Casa after assessing the community's needs and securing the necessary funds. The success of each operation hinges on the local community and the organization's unwavering commitment to the project.

Support Programs

A distinctive feature that sets us apart from other non-profits is our four-year follow-up program. We firmly believe that merely constructing a house is insufficient. Our commitment is to guarantee the creation of lasting change for families and the empowerment of Guatemalan communities. Following the construction of each home, Constru Casa actively collaborates with families for four years in partnership with our social organizations to ensure ongoing support.

In addition, we offer water filters and improved cooking stove programs to both our beneficiary families and community centers.

Projects 2024

• Construction of 75 Houses: Partnering with Adecsa, Corazón de los Niños, Transitions Foundation, Alimentos Sumar, and others.

• Community Projects: Expanding schools, clinics, and facilities.

• Follow-up Plan: Continuing support for families and communities.

• Cooking Stoves and Water Filters Program: Initiatives for families with special needs.

Projects 2023

• Construction of 73 Houses: Collaborating with Vamos Adelante, Xepatan, Familias de Esperanza, Adecsa, Corazón de los Niños, Cementos Progreso, Alimentos Sumar.

• Community Projects: Building schools, libraries, and facilities.

• Follow-up Plan: Ongoing support for families and communities.

Services Offered by Constru Casa

1. Housing: Providing various basic house designs, a "Step by Step" plan, healthy kitchens, and home improvements.

2. Community Projects: Building schools, kitchens, sanitation facilities, community centers, medical clinics, and recreational areas.

3. Programs: Offering improved stoves, water filters, a 4-year follow-up plan, a Family Fund, and maintenance service

We execute the construction of homes and Community Project Centers (CPC) in collaboration with social organizations dedicated to education, health, and community development programs.

Guided by impact studies, we assess the construction needs of families or communities (in the case of CPC), providing tailored services to meet those needs.

At Constru Casa, we offer a comprehensive range of services to families and communities:

Housing

• Variety of basic house designs

• "Step by Step" plan (1st step: Model 1, 2nd/3rd step: additional room)

• Home additions (room, washable toilet or latrine)

• Healthy kitchen (single room, with concrete floor, improved stove, and water filter)

• Home improvements or additions: plastering, painting, flooring, ramps, accessibility for people with disabilities, corridors, among others

Community Project Center (CPC) Constructions

• Schools, kitchens for schools, modules of toilets for schools, community centers, sports centers, children's areas, health clinics, among others

Programs

• Fuel-efficient wood stoves

• Water filters

• Family follow-up plan (for homes over 4 years)

• Family Fund

• Home and CPC maintenance (for 1 year)

Conclusion:

Constru Casa is committed to creating lasting positive change for underprivileged families and communities in Guatemala. Our holistic approach, community-centric focus, and ongoing support make us impactful in the fight against extreme poverty.