Community Development

The Shalom Foundation has provided homes for families suffering in devastating poverty since 1996. Generous individuals and organizations have helped build a church, school and more than 70 safe, sound homes in Guatemala City. Shalom is now assisting the community of Las Conchas with building clean water systems for their school and community. Shalom expands its services in 2010 to include desperately poor homeless children and their mothers living right here at home in the Greater Nashville area. Our goal is to help build a community for these struggling families, a support network of brothers and sisters who can assist and serve one another.

Guatemala City

Volunteers travel to Guatemala City to build new homes for families demonstrating Christian values of love, service, and generosity. They provide outreach services including temporary medical clinics, nutritional support, and clean water systems.

Supported by both our Guatemalan and US volunteer partners, the Housing Program continues to grow.

Volunteer Teams are comprised of 12 – 40 individuals representing various organizations, churches, denominations and personal commitments. Teams focused on home construction work on multiple family homes throughout their trip. Time is spent with members of these families, sharing Christ’s message of salvation and service. The experience can be transforming.

Volunteers may help build homes from the ground up, while others focus on much needed repairs. Opportunities are plentiful and impact families for generations. Visit our Photo Gallery to view images from our many construction mission projects. Visit Testimonials to read about volunteers’ experiences.

Everyone is invited to participate in these life-changing trips and local opportunities to serve. Visit our Current Trips and Activities schedule to view upcoming trips and service dates. Trip applications and other required forms can be found in our Media & Documents Center.

Las Conchas

We have been working in the neighborhood of Las Conchas since 2008.  This neighborhood, located in zone 25 on the outskirts of Guatemala City, has approximately 450 families.  Our long term game plan, developed with leaders of the community and the Shalom Church, is a 6 point plan of assistance.  In 5 years, we would like to accomplish the following:

Functioning Housing Program – The housing program has 2 parts, a government subsidized program and 100% subsidized by donations.  The majority of people will qualify for subsidized housing. We are assisting the leaders of the community with the process, working with the government and a bank for micro-financing.  Fully subsidized homes are available for those that can not qualify for this program.

Functioning Employment Program – We are working with a group of business leaders that are starting a micro-finance fund. These members will not only provide capital, but also volunteer their time to teach business skills to the entrepreneurs from the neighborhood.

Functioning Education Program – We are working with the local school by building additional class rooms, securing the facility, providing text books, (and some day…providing computer skills!).  We also sponsor many children to the private Christian school at Shalom.

Functioning Clean Water Program – A clean water system will be installed at the school in 2011, with plans for 2 community water stations in 2012, and future home based clean water filters.

Functioning Medical Program – Surgeries are provided in town at the Moore Pediatric Surgery Center.  In 2011, we are surveying the community to determine the need for a clinic in the neighborhood.

Functioning Church Program – We are working with the Shalom Church (located in zona 18 – 20 minutes by car) on developing a community church in the neighborhood.  There are several small group home Bible groups now in process.

Nashville

Support is greatly needed to launch Shalom’s Homeless Children and Moms Initiative. Church families, organizations and individuals are needed to help fund, repair and maintain property. Mentors are also needed to walk alongside these moms and children.

 

“My friends, you were chosen to be free. So don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do anything you want. Use it as an opportunity to serve each other with love.” Galatians 5:13