Asociación Hospicio de San José

Guatemala has a population of approximately 13 million, of which 100,000 could be infected with HIV virus. Ten Guatemalans die every day from AIDS.

In 1962, Father Francis O’Leary founded Hospice International in Pakistan for the sick and terminally ill. In 1989, he started the same type of organization in Guatemala; which was originally located in Guatemala City for six years, then moved to San Lucas Sacatepéquez, and which is now located in Santa Lucia Milpas Altas Sacatepéquez (since November 2006).

Since its beginning, the philosophy of the Hospice Association is to provide love and care to people who are facing their last days of life. They also receive medicine, food and clothing, which are provided for free, as well as spiritual and psychological support. It is important to the organization to provide a home for people where they do not feel discriminated against. The hospice also operates a separate program, which visits about 125 families in their homes. Many of these patients come to the hospice when they are very ill, and later return to their homes when they feel better.

The current goal and mission of the hospice is to be a national level institution, which is able to diagnosis and treat people with HIV/AIDS. The intent of the hospice is to fight the spread of the disease through information, education and prevention with the general population. The hospice is a non-profit, non-governmental, agency which provides integral attention and care to children and adults who live with the HIV/AIDS.

At the moment, there are about 52 children (all whom are infected with HIV/AIDS) in the hospice, the majority of which are orphans whose parents died due to AIDS. Thanks to the generosity of private donators, the hospice has been able to provide medicine to all the children. Some children are able to attend school, and now live the best life the hospice is able to provide!

The Hospice de San José is looking for volunteers who can help care for people (babies, children, youth, adults and seniors) who suffer from HIV/AIDS, and support in areas of school support, cooking, cleaning, laundry, gardening, nursing, education, and psychological support (for the latter 3 areas you will need at least two years of professional experience). Volunteers can work whole or half days. The project asks volunteers to work a minimum of one month, have an advanced Spanish level (75%, advanced level), and that volunteers are open to doing any task needed by the hospice. Volunteers will also have an informational meeting about HIV before starting work. If you would like to bring joy into the lives of others and wish to give your time and support to others, this is the right place for you. Please note that the hospice needs a weeks notice before the start of your volunteering.

If you would like to donate, you may donate medicine (please ask us what kind is needed), food, clothes, and money. The Hospicio de San José will be happy to receive your help.