Why Guatemala?

"People ask me why I chose Guatemala. The truth of the matter is,
I didn't choose Guatemala. God chose Guatemala for me." 
- Steve Moore, Founder & Chairman

After traveling to Guatemala on a mission trip with his church, Steve’s eyes and heart were opened to the poverty in which many Guatemalans live.

Guatemala is the most densely populated country in Central America and also the youngest, with almost half the population under the age of 19. The distribution of income remains highly unequal with the richest 20% of the population accounting for more than 51% of Guatemala's overall consumption. What’s worse, an incredible 59% of people live below the poverty line and 23% of the population lives in extreme poverty.

The healthcare system of Guatemala is so broken that critical medical care is widely unavailable to the 59% below the poverty line; only .93 physicians are available per 10,000 people.

These statistics reinforce the need for The Shalom Foundation’s presence in Guatemala and reinforce the value in and the importance of The Moore Center. Through the Center, we are able to provide surgeries and give hope to the families who need it the most.