Chuwi Tinamit built the three housing structures in Parque Chimiyá shortly after purchasing the property in 1989, before there even was a park to speak of. When Long Way Home got to Guatemala to start working on the park's construction, the housing areas were the first to be addressed. The cinderblock house was in need of a complete overhaul, including installing doors, windows, plumbing for a shower and bathroom, pouring a concrete patio space to hold meetings, building a fence with found wood to enclose the building, installing a water deposit and rain water catchment system, adding a bodega (storage shed) and finally landscaping the area around the house that also serves as the park's entrance.

Once the staff was comfortably living in the main house, the next activity undertaken was the renovation of the two adobe cabins that would provide lodging for Long Way Home volunteers and interns. Near these cabins, project staff built a temascal, or small adobe steam room, a toolshed, solar shower and composting latrine. We also installed a solar panel, landscaped the area, and fenced it in with local bamboo for improved security.

The view of the valley is amazing from these cabañas, and over time they became used as staff housing, office space and tool storage, while the main cinderblock house is now used for volunteer housing. Thanks to the presence of a spring on the property and a collaborative project with Engineers Without Borders of Minnesota, all the housing structures now have reliable water and electricity.

Dimensions of the House

The cement foundation of the house is 38' x 27'. The shared volunteer kitchen is 13' x 15' and has both a wood burning stove and a gas stove. The three volunteer bedrooms measure 15' x 14', 11.5' x 14' and 10' by 14' and sleep six to eight people in total. The bodega is 8' x 15'. The patio, which serves as a common area for volunteers, is 21' x 13' and has a fire pit for cooking out. The ceiling is 9' at its lowest point and rises with a 15 degree pitch and then to a 35 degree pitch

Click here if you would like to help donate toward the develpment of this project or just make a general donation to the vitality of the project. Long Way Home appreciates your contributions and interest in helping make the world a better place.

Parque Chimiyá Features

• Soccer Field
• Basketball Court
• Playground
• Gardens and Nursery
• Community Kitchen and Picnic Area
• Nature Trail
• Classroom
• Housing
• Water and Electricity