Thanks to OBI, 500 families who have been displaced following an 8.0-magnitude earthquake have temporary shelters at three camps in Peru.

PISCO, Peru – Two minutes changed Ayuda's life forever.

It was during the 8.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Peru in August that Ayuda and her family lost everything. The house was reduced to rubble and everything inside was destroyed.

Ayuda's husband and family found refuge in a make-shift shelter with 10 other families. But with no running water, toilet or privacy, life was very difficult, she said.

Thanks to Operation Blessing's particpation in a $600,000 effort, they are among 500 families who will be able to find solace in three camps built throughout the region to support victims left homeless by the earthquake.

OB Latin director, Jordan Durso and a team from OB Peru are coordinating the "Camps of Refuge" project and working closely with the Camino de Vida church. After meeting with Pisco officials, teams secured three sectors of the city to ‘adopt' for the six-month project.

The camps are outfitted with running water, toilets and showers. In addition, families receive three meals a day and children's games and sporting activities are being offered.

"The camps will help bridge a vital gap by providing food and shelter while families rebuild their homes," said OBI's David Darg, who is helping coordinate relief efforts. "Food, water, shelter and medical care will be provided free of charge to every camp member." 

Ayuda, and other families like hers, were given their own tent that comfortably sleeps eight people and has separate rooms as well as built-in mosquito netting.

The camps are outfitted with running water, toilets and showers. In addition, families receive three meals a day and children's games and sporting activities are being offered.

"This camp has totally changed everything for my family," Ayuda said. "I am so grateful."

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide emergency relief and recovery. Please make an on-line donation today.

 

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