Maria, like so many Guatemalan women, learned at an early age to do whatever it takes to survive. Maria found herself pregnant at an early age and married to a man who cared more about alcohol than he did his family. She went into survival mode when the only bread winner of the family disappeared one day, leaving her with a child to raise alone.

Maria’s only concern then and now is her son, Steven. Steven had to learn to live without a father. At the same time, he learned from his mother, Maria to do whatever it takes to survive in a very unforgiving world. Steven had learned that in order to succeed in that world, the most needed thing is an education. Maria would do anything to keep Steven in school. So, while Steven attended classes or worked online at a relative’s house, Maria scavenged through the neighbor’s trash to find recyclable material that she can sell so they could eat.

Maria continued to find just enough recyclables to put food on the table, but her bigger dream was always to find a place where she and her son could live in peace. A place they could call home and better deal with life’s challenges in Guatemala. Thanks to Buy One Build One, Maria and Steven now have that home and much less pressure in their lives.

Next Story → On solid ground