Central America has been hit by two major storms this month, hurricanes Eta and Iota, causing devastation to countries already suffering from weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Whole villages have flooded causing destruction to roads, homes and the crops from which many derive their livelihood. Through the storms, ISS-USA’s partners in Honduras and Guatemala have continued to communicate with families on a weekly basis. They have coordinated the delivery of food and other emergency supplies to places they can’t reach, and visited families where it is safe to do so. These social workers have been providing reintegration support to children reunifying with their families after a separation at the border. The long term relationship with families has allowed them to provide emotional support, trusted guidance, and direct services in areas where government and other humanitarian assistance has been slow to reach. While the recovery from these natural and humanitarian disasters will take many months, ISS-USA’s partners remain on the ground responding to families’ needs. For more information on ISS-USA’s work in the region visit:

Photo taken in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala by EDELAC Guatemala