Block House Construction
The need for dignified, earthquake-resistant housing in San Lucas and the surrounding communities is constant. The Mission builds 540 square foot block houses which include a concrete floor, plumbed indoor bathroom and a fuel-efficient stove. A house costs $12,000 to build and takes 6-8 weeks to complete. In 2019 the Mission will build 20 block houses, the most it has ever built.
Hybrid House Construction
In 2019 the Mission developed a new house design. This design begins with several courses of concrete block and is finished with wood walls. This design is a lower cost option to the all block house and can be built on a smaller lot. Both 2 and 3 room versions are available. The approximate cost is $3,500.
Wood House Construction
Wood houses are designed to be built on land that is rented. Sizes are modified to fit available space. Each wood home costs $1,500 and takes about 7 days to complete. These homes include a fuel-efficient stove and concrete floor. If needed, the homes can be disassembled and moved with the family.
Stove Construction
In the past, families throughout Guatemala cooked over an open fire on the floor in their homes. The Mission builds fuel-efficient stoves which reduce firewood consumption by 50%, reduce respiratory disease and virtually eliminate injuries caused by open fires. Each year we build approximately 400 stoves.
