Elderly Info

The food crisis in Guatemala is having a devastating effect on the elderly. Without enough to eat, many older people are becoming weak and malnourished, leaving them more vulnerable to illnesses that they cannot afford medical care for. They are unable to provide for even their most basic needs. In many cases, family members are unable to help as they struggle to feed themselves and their own children, leaving the elderly without any form of support and often living in heartbreaking conditions.

Please help us bring them the life-sustaining food and medical care that they so desperately need. General donations are used to ensure that we always have an adequate supply of food, medicine, and funds for meals, necessary medical treatment, and transportation. Monthly sponsorship would help feed one person, once a day for five days a week. Via blog and web album, we'll show you exactly where your aid is going and help you get to know the men and women whose lives you are changing.

If you would like to sponsor an elderly person for $35 a month, please click here and write "monthly sponsorship'' in the Other box. To make a one-time donation for medicine, rent, or other costs, please click here and enter "Elderly Care Program" in the Other box. Any questions can be directed to Amy at amy@mayanfamilies.org


Media on Mayan Families Elderly

Book:
Ancianos : Megan Gette + photos by Rob Bain, Nisa East, Rhett Hammerton and Hiroko Tanaka

Videos:
Mayan Families- Ancianos Stories : Nisa East

Mayan Families Elderly Feeding Care Program : Rhett Hammerton

Facing Hunger: Elderly in Rural Guatemala



Oct 18, 2010

Help Pedro Find a Home

Pedro receiving hygiene product donations
in his neighbor's yard, where he also picks up
the daily lunch we bring him. Pedro spends
most of his day sitting on the curb or waiting
in his neighbor's yard because he does not
want to stay in his cramped, uncomfortable
room.
We have already introduced Pedro Hulahu, one of our dearest Elderly Care Program members. As explained, Pedro is a sweet, soft-spoken 75-year-old man. He lives alone in the corner of a rundown shed, a cramped and miserable place surrounded by piles of garbage and recycling, some as tall as 8 feet. The ground about the shed is littered with broken glass and plastic, and the actual area that Pedro has is tiny; there are fewer than 3 square feet of free space.

Entrance to Pedro's home
Photo of Pedro's tiny room from the
entrance. There are fewer than 3 square
feet of free space, and the bed, which has
no mattress, is less than 4 ft long.

This space isn’t remotely resistant to the elements: when there is rain, his home floods; when there is wind outside, there is wind inside. At night, despite his clothing and blankets, Pedro is cold. He has no nearby access to a bathroom or drinking water. It's a very sad situation, and dangerous for a man of his age, so we have been trying to find ways to get him out of there. 


Just this week, we got a terrific offer. Mayan Families’ managers Gloria and Julio reached a couple of Pedro’s especially helpful neighbors (who had been out of town) and learned that a rentable room in their home is about to be vacated. We can rent this room for Pedro, equipped with light and access to a bathroom, for $65 a month. Aside from the relative affordability of this offer (even relative to local prices), it’s a great opportunity because Pedro would be living with the few caring, familiar faces and helping hands that he knows.


Pedro sitting on his bed

If we could each give a little, it would make a world of difference for Pedro. A monthly or one-time donation of any amount would be so appreciated. To make such a monthly donation, please click here and enter “Elderly Care, Pedro” next to Other Program. To make a one-time donation, please click here and enter “Elderly Care, Pedro” in the other box.

Thank you so much!

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