As part of its continued commitment to improving local and global communities,
Primary Residential Mortgage Inc. (PRMI) recently partnered with Habitat for Humanity on a service trip to Guatemala. The nationwide mortgage lender was privileged to send 30 representatives from
PRMI Giving Network, the organization’s humanitarian initiative, as the first international team to assist in building “Valle de Las Flores” in Palin, Esquintla, a new community for survivors of the recent June 2018 Volcan de Fuego eruption.
For one week, PRMI’s volunteers traded desks and computers for gloves and shovels, as they worked side-by-side with Habitat’s team, local masons and survivors of the eruption. Together, they contributed to the construction of 24 homes and laid the foundation for a new community, offering disaster victims and their families a place to heal and build hope for the future.
“In spite of unimaginable tragedy, the community members from San Miguel Los Lotes welcomed us with open arms, displaying a spirit of resiliency I’ve rarely seen,” said PRMI President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Zitting. “Working with these incredible families was a life-changing experience for all of our volunteers, and we’re honored that Habitat for Humanity Guatemala invited PRMI to be part of their project in such a meaningful way.”
Fuego is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, and continues to experience small, daily outbursts. The severe eruption in June 2018, however, produced a fast-moving collection of hot ash, gasses and volcanic matter known as pyroclastic flow, which quickly devastated homes and lives, including many in the town of San Miguel Los Lotes. Though national and international response was quick and plentiful, much of that assistance has waned, leaving Habitat for Humanity Guatemala as one of the only remaining organizations with boots on the ground focused on helping survivors.
“We are incredibly grateful for the team from PRMI and the support they offered during their recent visit,” said Michael Estill, Habitat for Humanity Guatemala’s Fuego Disaster Relief Project Manager. “Without help from our global and local partners, we wouldn’t be able to assist so many of these families in rebuilding their lives.”
