Community Living

Casa de Esperanza

Fidel and Osmi with Pat Duff, founder and director of Casa de Esperanza

In Guatemala, the government provides no support or assistance to those with special needs, or their families.

Because of the extreme poverty in this country, as well as the scarcity of support services, many families are unable or unwilling to care for their disabled family member.  Most often these folks live in large institutions, such as Obras Sociales del Hermano Pedro in Antigua. Many, however, can live semi-independently in the community when provided with the services they need.

In January, 2013, Casa de Esperanza (Hope House) opened to fill this gap in services.  Not a traditional group home, Casa provides a Christian environment in which those with disabilities can live in community with their able-bodied peers.  These peers serve as personal assistants and companions for our permanent residents, helping them do the things they cannot do for themselves.