The cornerstone of HELPS International's philosophy  is an integrated approach as seen by offering a variety of HELPS programs to assist the developing world's communities.

In 1983, the Community Development program consisted of construction teams that were primarily brought from church communities in the United States. In addition to renovating six hospitals, these construction teams built over 400 new homes for widows and orphans, ten potable water systems for various communities, and several airstrips. They also built one large two-story school and five smaller ones in Santa Avelina.

HELPS believes in working with individual communities that request HELPS assistance and that work within a system of mutual responsibility and respect. Any one of the HELPS programs taken by itself will not be able to sustain the change necessary to break the chains of poverty and despair.  HELPS believes fervently that, only by integrating these programs, will the people have a chance at a better life.

HELPS is currently recruiting volunteer groups to implement such projects as:

ONIL Stove assembly and installation

School Construction

Potable water systems

Concrete floors for homes

There are opportunities for groups interested in making a long term commitment through the use of the Community Sponsorship Program.  This program offers groups the ability to develop sustainable results in specific communities through education, healthcare, economic development, and environmental protection.

Community Development Involvement

HELPS is always  looking for volunteers and groups for its Community Development Program.  Here is how you can become involved: 

If you are an individual:

• Contact us at 800-41-HELPS (800-414-3577) or email us at info@helpsinternational.org.  We will put you in touch with a team that is already formed and discuss your trip expenses.  Click here to go to the application forms necessary for your trip. 

If you represent a group, there are two ways to be involved:

• A group undertakes a project that can range from installing ONIL stoves to putting in a community water system. 
  
  
• By sponsoring a community or group of families:  This approach involves a commitment for education, economics, medicine and special projects such as the ONIL stove.  HELPS can help you identify a community and give you expected costs for the program.

In both cases, HELPS will handle the logistics of the trip.  Our US office will handle airline ticketing and trip paperwork.  The Guatemala office will handle all aspects of the in-country experience including planning the project, security, transportation and lodging.