Housing Help in Rural El Salvador

I am a current Peace Corps volunteer in Morazán, the poorest region of El Salvador.  I have been here for a year and half now, and have developed many strong relationships with the generous and loving people in my community.  The Hernández family is one of the many families that I have developed a relationship with.  José Victor Hernández, 84 years old, his wife, 84, his sister-in-law, 82, and his mentally handicapped son, 36, all live together. They grew up in this region but were forced to leave during the gruesome civil war.  During the war, they lost their home and their land.

Until recently, the Hernandezes lived in San Salvador with their daughter.  However, because of increasing gang violence, their daughter insisted they return to Morazán.  She started saving money to build a house for the elderly family, but was diagnosed with cancer and has since passed away.  The family is currently living in an unoccupied house, which was lent to them while their house was being built, but they can no longer stay there as the owner wants to move in. Unfortunately, the daughter was unable to build the house she hoped to for her parents because of her circumstances. They are basically homeless.

Unfortunately in rural El Salvador, there is little to no assistance for the elderly.  Working with a compassionate community member, we have contacted several organizations to help resolve the family’s situation, but they have been unable to help.  We have raised sufficient funds to buy a small percentage of the materials needed to build the house and have obtained a piece of land by donation.  We have also collaborated with a local youth group that has promised to do the manual labor once we have the rest of the necessary materials. 

This is where you can help us.  We still need $1,300.00 for materials to construct the house.  We hope you can look into your heart to help this family.  Even a small donation of $10.00 will move us closer to our goal.  If the small number of just 130 caring citizens support this project by donating $10.00, we will meet our goal!