Without the two humanitarian organizations, the American Red Cross and the Peace Corps, Guatemala would not be able to survive financially and the people living there would not live in as safe an environment. The Peace Corps has been helping Guatemala for years with the devastation caused by natural disasters, crime, financial problems, and poverty.

The American Red Cross aided Guatemala in 1998, when Hurricane Mitch hit. The tremendous raging winds damaged houses, causing people to go homeless and to lose their jobs. Streets were flooded, belongings were lost, and people were killed. Flooding, mudslides, and winds affected 3.8 million people, killing more than ten thousand people. More than fifty one million dollars was raised to help in the recovery toward Hurricane Mitch. The projects that were enacted to help Guatemala included water and waste sanitation systems for new and rebuilt communities, food and agricultural support, and community health education initiatives.

More than fourteen million dollars was raised for immediate life support, providing food, agricultural support; medicine, water purification and emergency health related assistance.

Robert F. Kennedy founded the Peace Corps in 1961. For all of these years it has been helping Guatemala, as well as 133 other countries of the world, with many situations and problems. It helps communities protect their environment and try to prevent the spread of diseases. It makes it possible for people to start businesses and helps farmers grow crops more efficiently. By helping different cultures, people from these countries come to understand better the American culture.

When bridges fall apart or vaccinations are needed, the Peace Corp volunteers are there to help. Diseases are prevented with this assistance. One hundred and fifty thousand people and counting serve or have served in the Peace Corps.

The American Red Cross and the Peace Corps will continue to help Guatemala for many years to come.