“The Church in Guatemala begins the process of identifying communities that would benefit from stoves and water filters.”
— 2 years before teams arrive
“specific communities are selected and education and training begins to inform local pastors and leaders of the requirements and responsibilities of the program (they will need to be prepared to guide, train and support their communities through the process).”
— 18 months out
“Pastors and leaders come to observe the project that is taking place a year ahead of theirs. They gain further understanding and training, and begin to inform their communities about the opportunity to participate and begin to identify potential participants (which can be of any religious or non-religious background).”
— 12 months out
“Churches in the US begin to recruit team members for the upcoming year.”
— 9 months out
“Teams are finalized and begin preparing and fundraising for the families. Team members are responsible for their own team fees, and they raise all the money needed for the families to receive stoves, water filters and medication. 100% of money raised for this purpose goes directly to materials for the families. Team members also collect donated goods to take to the families.”
— 5 months out
“The selection of families is finalized and training for proper use of the stoves and water filters begins.”
— 4 months out
“Materials are delivered, concrete slabs are poured for a foundation for the stoves, and a sample stove is set up to continue the training process.”
— 2 months out
“The team settles in church provided facilities and connects with the community. The team spends about 4 days installing about 8 stoves per team member, and visiting with each family. Every afternoon is spent distributing donated goods, medication (de-wormer for parasites ingested from unfiltered water), and worshipping with the community.”
— team arrival
“The team leaves but local church work continues with follow up visits with each family to ensure proper usage of the stoves and filters, and to facilitate continued connection with church and neighbor.”
— 1 week after
“HELPS comes to document the stove installation and record changes in wood consumption.”
— 1 month after
“A technician affiliated with the church visits each family to maintain relationships and ensure the project is still benefiting the family.”
— 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after
“Replacement parts are made available to local communities and they are easily affordable with the projected savings from less wood consumption.”
