TECHO is an experienced organization that works to improve the living conditions of the population in informal settlements throughout Latin America. On this occasion, we are working to raise funds to build emergency housing for 5 families who lost their homes to a fire. This project will support them not only in building a new home but also in starting a new life.
Recently, a devastating fire raged through the outskirts of Bogota, causing the destruction of 5 houses and leaving more than 20 people homeless. This happened in one of many informal settlements, where people displaced from the internal conflict, the lack of opportunities in rural areas or crossing the border from Venezuela live. The context in which these 5 families lost their homes is a resource-poor, state-abandoned and forgotten area where thousands of families live in extreme poverty.
TECHO plans to provide emergency relief to these families in the form of food kits and emergency housing. We have been working with these communities for more than 15 years, listening to their needs, starting programs together and finding long-lasting solutions to improve the quality of life of the population living there. We have already helped +250 thousand families to improve their living conditions considerably.
Providing emergency relief might seem like a short term solution at first. However, after more than 15 years building emergency housing, we have learnt how impactful this is in the life of resource-poor families struck by conflict and displacement. Having a safe space where to live allows families to keep their dignity and focus their resources on other important aspects like finding a job and seeking education for their children.
