We're thrilled to announce the launch of our Good Shepherd Assistance Program in four communities in Huehuetenango. The Disciples of the Good Shepherd are using the funds received through our spring campaign to provide assistance to 70 families affected by COVID-19. The Disciples used three criteria to determine whom to help:
- Family is facing additional hardship due to COVID-19.
- Family is led by a single mother.
- Family is not receiving assistance from another source.
Families will be provided with Q3,000 worth of food per month for three months. For comparison, the Guatemalan government assistance program is providing a single cash payment of Q1,200 per adult. Government payment availability is limited to those with official government documents and access to a bank account. It is rare for women in rural communities to have either of these items.
Three cases of families facing additional health issues are being assisted with medicine and direct assistance.
Assistance is being provided by the Disciples in Huehuetenango, San Juan Ixcoy, La Libertad, and Cuilco. We will be sharing more details on our website, social media, and future updates.
The Good Shepherd Assistance Program compliments our Safe Smiles and Family Assistance programs here in Omaha. During our spring campaign, Ixim raised over $15,000 to help those most affected by COVID-19. Safe Smiles has made and distributed over 1,000 masks to our community partners in South Omaha. We've provided assistance to nine families referred to us through One World Community Health Centers, Catholic Charities, and Mayan Community T'xajul Ewul.
If you'd like to support our COVID-19 response, our other ongoing work, or volunteer to help, check out our website at ixim.org. Thank you for your support and prayers.
