Reston Educators Join Forces to Build Homes in Guatemala

by Reston Letter Staff

FCPS teachers and volunteers, led by Dogwood Elementary's principal Kate Beckner, helped build homes in Guatemala in June. Photo contributed by Kate Beckner

A team of Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) educators and community members recently traveled to San Pedro Las Huertas, Guatemala, where they volunteered their time, energy, and resources to build homes for families in need. The group partnered with From Houses to Homes, a nonprofit based in Antigua, Guatemala, that supports families through housing, education, and medical programs.

Dogwood Elementary School Principal Kate Beckner, who has volunteered with the organization since 2012, led the June 23 to 27 service trip. She was joined by fellow FCPS educators Jason Ericson and Cedric Price (Dogwood Elementary), Frances Delzel (Oakton High School), Chrissy Kelly and Giselle Duran (South Lakes High School), and Ashley Senior (Centreville High School). Also on the team were Willson York, an FCPS parent, and Colin McQuarrie, a South Lakes High School graduate.

Over five days, the group completed two new homes for sisters from the Garia-Arias family. Both are single mothers raising children with limited resources and no paternal support. The women earn a modest income by preparing and selling tortillas from their open-air kitchens.

Each new home included bunk beds, a smokeless stove, and a water filtration system—basic essentials that provide life-changing improvements. For the first time, these families will have a door they can lock, a roof to keep them dry, and the safety and dignity of a place to call their own.

In addition to housing, From Houses to Homes helps families access education and healthcare and supports them in building sustainable futures. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has experienced a steep decline in funding and volunteer participation, even as community needs continue to grow.

Principal Beckner shared that for anyone seeking a meaningful, hands-on opportunity to make a difference, From Houses to Homes offers a truly transformative experience.

To learn more or get involved, visit FromHousestoHomes.org/

Photo contributed by Kate Beckner