Every day, families in Guatemala face serious health risks in their own homes. Traditional open fires used for cooking indoors create a dangerous environment, as does the lack of clean water, leading to:
- Devastating respiratory problems Especially harmful for children under 5, who are most susceptible to acute respiratory infection, the leading cause of death in this age group.
- Severe burns Open fires pose a constant threat to the safety of families.
- High cost of firewood Each month families spend 40% of their income to buy firewood for cooking and boiling water to avoid water borne diseases.
- Waterborne diseases sixty percent of illnesses in Guatemala are caused by contaminated water, impacting millions who lack access to clean drinking water.
- Deforestation the ineffieicnt use of firewood for cooking takes a heavy toll on forests.
Helps International is working to change this
We deliver high-quality, sustainable solutions designed specifically for the needs of rural Guatemalan families. Volunteer teams install thousands of fuel-efficient ONIL stoves and water filters in homes and schools each year.
The ONIL Cook Stove: A Safe and Efficient Alternative
- Removes smoke from the home significantly reducing the risk of respiratory illness
- Reduces firewood usage by 70% saving families time and money.
- Reduces deforestation each ONIL Cook Stove saves 1 commercial tree per month.
Clean Water with the ONIL Water Filter
- 100% removal of parasites protecting families from waterborne illnesses.
- 99.99% removal of pathogenic bacteria ensuring clean, safe drinking water.
The program requires participants to contribute toward the stove and water filter receive promoting ownership and appreciation, ensuring continued use.
Impact
300,000+
ONIL stoves have been installed, positively impacting homes and organizations.
165,000+
ONIL water filters are used in schools and homes throughout Guatemala.
3.5+
million trees have been saved. This represents 21,600 acres of forest.
US$ 102
million is the estimated economic impact of the program
2.04+
million people have smoke-free environments as a result of using ONIL stoves.
Get Involved
Helps International Inc.
Has been assisting the people of Guatemala for 40 years providing medical services, wood burning efficient stoves, education and farming services.