Help for victims of Educandos fire

In the evening of December, 17th, 2018, a fire destroyed the homes of over 600 families in the neighborhood of Educandos, in the city of Manaus, Brazil. This neighborhood is where I lived for four years, doing my doctoral research, and where my daughter was born. The people of Educandos welcomed me, a complete stranger, and took me in as a friend and as family. In the truest sense, they fed me when I was hungry and housed me when I needed a home. The people affected here are among the very poorest of the region, living in wooden stilt houses precariously on the edge of a river channel. Many of my friends and their families, who had so little, and gave with open hands, have lost everything. 

During my time in Educandos, I worked with a folklore organization, the Boi Bumbá Garanhão,  whose mission is not only to preserve the traditional culture of the region, but also to provide community and activities to those who are often without support: the poor, the elderly, those with mental illness, LGBTQ individuals, and young men and women at risk of being swept up in prostitution, drugs, and gang violence.

They have now mobilized to help their neighbors who have become homeless.

If you are so moved, please consider donating whatever feels right to you. Local groups have mobilized to collect the immediate needs: food and clothing. However, there are now more than 2000 people without homes. Any funds I will donate directly to the community organization to be distributed as most needed.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-brazil-fire/fire-engulfs-600-stilt-homes-in-brazil-city-manaus-thousands-flee-idUSKBN1OH1GM

https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/12/18/600-houses-burn-in-brazils-manaus-pressure-cooker-suspected/