About CoCo

We are a non-profit organization in Guatemala which we have created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its related economic consequences with the aim of providing emergency aid to families in need.

Our local team currently consists of 4 core members from Germany, the USA and Guatemala, as well as 3 local volunteer community workers in the slums of zone 18. In addition, we have a steadily growing number of volunteers.

100% of all donations go to families in need.
We are a team of young, dedicated adults, teachers, social workers and graphic designers with the desire to contribute to society.
We attach great importance to personal and individualized help and communication at eye level.
Transparency, organization, logistics and communication are requirements for good success.

We are

CoCo

Colectivo

Comunitario

Background

People around the world are highly affected by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Developing and economically vulnerable countries, including Guatemala, are especially affected. 56 percent of the Guatemalan population lives in poverty, with children and the older generation being especially exposed.

At the beginning of the expansion of COVID-19, we received the first calls from known persons asking for support with food for their families, as they lost their sources of income. Donations were quickly collected to provide the first families with care packages and hygiene products. As soon as we opened our eyes, we realized how serious the need for essential basic food became.

The white flag became an important symbol in Guatemala and is hung on their doors or carried on the streets as a flag by those who lack essential basic food to ensure the survival of their families and themselves.

The sudden economic collapse caused by the pandemic has affected thousands of families who are now depending on help from others.

Especially affected are the poor districts (slums) of Guatemala City. A lack of infrastructure, such as water and electricity supply, shelters consisting of sheet metal, wood and a few block elements, poor hygienic conditions, insufficient education and a high crime rate due to the gangs (Mara 18 / MS 13) that rule there, make the everyday life of the majority of the population difficult. Most of these people live from hand to mouth and earn their money as day laborers, street vendors or in handicraft jobs, which are very poorly paid in Guatemala.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most families have lost their already low income.