--- title: How Self-Reliance Programs in Guatemala Are Empowering Local Communities description: As hurricanes devastated Alta Verapaz municipalities, CHOICE stepped in with urgent aid and lasting support, helping communities rebuild stronger than ever. image: https://blog.choicehumanitarian.org/hubfs/WhatsApp%20Image%202021-05-17%20at%2012.28.52%20PM-1.jpeg --- [![Vector CHOICE Logo (4)_no tag](https://blog.choicehumanitarian.org/hubfs/Vector%20CHOICE%20Logo%20(4)_no%20tag.png)](https://choicehumanitarian.org/) - [OUR WORK](https://choicehumanitarian.org/our-work/) - [JOIN AN EXPEDITION](https://choicehumanitarian.org/expeditions/) - [ABOUT US](https://choicehumanitarian.org/vision-and-mission/) - [BLOG HOME](https://blog.choicehumanitarian.org) [DONATE](https://choicehumanitarian.org/donate/) Agriculture # How Self-Reliance Programs in Guatemala Are Empowering Local Communities As hurricanes devastated Alta Verapaz municipalities, CHOICE stepped in with urgent aid and lasting support, helping communities rebuild stronger than ever. [CHOICE Communications](https://blog.choicehumanitarian.org/author/choice-communications) Nov 6, 2025 --- # Regional Hardship Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, has one of the lowest income rates and health and educational levels in the country. The region is made up of mostly Mayan inhabitants living in extremely rural and isolated communities. It has the highest level of child malnutrition and "stunting" in all of Guatemala. Though there is enough food to avoid starvation, the people’s diets lack the nutrients needed for children to grow and develop normally, both physically and mentally. In 2020, the residents not only were dealing with COVID-19, but also two large hurricanes, Eta and Iota, which made living conditions even more dire. ## Building a Stronger Future In response to these problems, and with the financial support of [Pat and Florence King](https://blog.choicehumanitarian.org/pat-and-florence-king), CHOICE Humanitarian undertook a comprehensive social and economic development program called Guatemala LIFE. It was designed to enable the Alta Verapaz region to lift themselves out of poverty and is one of the largest programs CHOICE has undertaken. The program focused on creating food resilience through community gardens, increasing community organization, teaching entrepreneurial skills, and creating jobs through the growth of small businesses. Unfortunately, the start of the program corresponded with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, cutting CHOICE off from many communities within Alta Verapaz and essentially halting all progress on these original goals. However, in the midst of the terrible hurricanes came an opportunity for CHOICE to fulfill immediate needs and build strong relationships in the region. The hurricanes flooded almost 80 percent of the area. CHOICE immediately pivoted from its original plans to meet the new challenges. CHOICE partnered with several organizations to provide three phases of relief including helping people locate and communicate with their families, providing access to medical care, and distributing food. The swift response to the hurricane was made possible by Pat and Florence King, who graciously allowed CHOICE to reallocate their donation to meet unpredicted needs. CHOICE’s quick response boosted the relationships with community leaders, who determined where resources were needed, opened the communities, and positively affected the Guatemala LIFE program outcomes in the long-term. Emergency relief needs have since decreased and the original Guatemala LIFE plans for community development have begun. CHOICE continues to focus on helping people respond to the effects of the hurricanes and provide medical relief to those who need it.  ### A Day of Medical Service ![Picture1f](https://blog.choicehumanitarian.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture1f.png?width=700&height=750&name=Picture1f.png) At the time that this program was heavily underway, there were a few natural disasters—namely, devastating hurricanes that flooded the area, rendering the local communities in need of emergency aid. The CHOICE team and local leaders organized a medical service day. Individuals from the Candelaria Yalicar community and all surrounding areas received emergency medical aid and cleaning supplies while long-term solutions could be formulated. CHOICE partners helped provide food, clean water, and hand sanitizer. The event included the support of the Red Cross Guatemalan Cobán headquarters who provided free medicine to individuals who needed it. Fourteen doctors provided care in general medicine, pediatrics, and gynecology. Those with chronic health issues who were unable to travel were treated in their homes. CHOICE was able to help in these ways: - Food kits were provided to 3,796 individuals. - Clothing bags, which included clothing, shoes, and toys, were given to 2,359 individuals. - Medical relief was provided in partnership with Guatemala Red Cross to 2,216 individuals. - Psychological care was provided to at least 200 individuals. [Agriculture](https://blog.choicehumanitarian.org/tag/agriculture) [Guatemala](https://blog.choicehumanitarian.org/tag/guatemala) [Health](https://blog.choicehumanitarian.org/tag/health) ## Similar posts Guatemala ### [Urgent Aid Needed for Guatemala Floods](https://blog.choicehumanitarian.org/urgent-aid-needed-for-guatemala-floods) In the wake of Tropical Storm Pilar, Guatemalan communities where CHOICE Humanitarian works are facing severe flooding. Donations can provide aid. CHOICE Communications Nov 10, 2023 Guatemala ### [Advocate Spotlight: Celebrating the Global Impact of Pat and Florence King](https://blog.choicehumanitarian.org/pat-and-florence-king) “Pat and Florence embody the spirit of humanitarian leadership.” - Heather Hammond Cruz, CEO of CHOICE Humanitarian CHOICE Communications Jul 1, 2025 Bolivia ### [How Local Water Initiatives are Strengthening Families across Continents](https://blog.choicehumanitarian.org/how-local-water-initiatives-are-strengthening-families-across-continents) From Bolivia to Nepal, CHOICE Humanitarian’s clean water initiatives are empowering families and strengthening local economies. CHOICE Communications Nov 13, 2025 ### WITH YOUR SUPPORT CHOICE Humanitarian can mobilize rural poverty solutions. 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