Five branches of the Vincentian Family are collaborating to initiate a new project to help families who lost their homes after a volcanic eruption. 35 new homes will be built as part of the ‘Welcome Home Project.’

The Fuego volcano erupted last year, killing dozens of people and rendering many more homeless. This 13 Houses Campaign project in Alotenango provides a new start for 35 families, along with vocational training to ensure them a long-term future.

In the Vincentian spirit of listening to the poor, a group of the beneficiaries are advising on the construction so it meets their needs.

The project is a collaborative initiative of the local Vincentian Family Systemic Change committee which is composed of members from the Company of the Daughters of Charity, the Congregation of the Mission, the International Association of Charity, the Vincentian Marian Youth Association and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. They are partnering with an NGO and the local parish to realize the project, which will be under the legal title of the Congregation of the Mission. Also, the United Nations, through United Nations Development Plan, is collaborating in this effort. The group raised some of the funds needed themselves and received a grant from the 13 Houses Campaign Solidarity Fund to meet their budget.

We will continue to update you on the 13 Houses Campaign as it moves forward. There are 20 other countries now planning similar projects. Please pray for our Vincentian brothers and sisters in Guatemala and the people they serve!

Do you want to get involved in the 13 Houses Campaign? Check our website to find out more about this project or to donate to the Solidarity Fund.

Source: http://vfhomelessalliance.org/