Community development is a process that contributes to the health and well-being of residents of rural communities. Planning and implementing specific projects is only part of the community development process, but an important part involving partnerships with members of the community, representatives of the municipality, BPD staff, and BPD donors. Our basic community development infrastructure package includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Running Water in Homes – BPD combines funds from villagers, the municipal government, private donors and other organizations to construct community water systems that bring running water into village homes. Residents provide the unskilled labor to dig trenches for pipes and help construct storage tanks. Costs vary for each community water system depending on the village size, water source, location, and type of system required.
• Gray Water Filter Systems— These systems are installed at each home’s water spigot and sink to collect and filter the dirty water so it can be used for irrigating family gardens. The system involves construction of a cement catch basin at the base of each family’s water spigot and sink, or pila. The used water flows from the pila into the catch basin where a sand and rock filter removes the grease, soap, and dirt. The used water is then carried by pipe to a large hole dug away from the home, where it is absorbed into the soil or used to irrigate fruit trees or pastures. Families provide the labor to dig the catch basin and trenches for the gray water filter pipes; BPD provides funding for the materials.
• Vented, Improved Pit (VIP) Latrines—VIP latrines consist of a small building constructed of cinder blocks and laminate roof that enclose a pit hole covered by a slab and cement toilet seat, and a ventilation pipe covered by netting. Air movement draws odors up through the pipe and out of the latrine. Families provide the labor to dig the pit and build the surrounding structure; BPD provides funding to purchase the cement for the floor and seat, cinder block or the surrounding structure, the ventilation pipe and netting.
• Vented Stoves—Vented, efficient stoves are installed in family homes. These stoves use 75% less wood than open fires, are raised off the ground to prevent burns, and are vented outside the home to prevent respiratory problems. Each family contributes money for the stove and concrete blocks on which it sits; BPD subsidizes purchase of the stoves and coordinates the purchase and transportation of stoves to the community.

Your gift will help improve the health and well-being of residents in the highlands of rural Guatemala. In 2011, we are seeking funds to work on these projects: