Casa Shalom was a beautiful house that sat near the top of amountain overlooking the city of Medellín, Colombia. A US missionary couple, Paul and Susy Goring, added on to it and opened it as a foster home in 1978. Working with the Colombian family welfare system, they helped children find forever homes and a better life. My sister and I were taken there, and the Gorings adopted us into their big family!

 

Later, one of my sisters went through the records and found that in all, 188 children had a temporary home at Casa Shalom over a period of eight years.

In 1994, when my parents retired and moved back to the USA, they bequeathed the home to a mission with the stipulation that it always be used for ministry. After some years it was converted to a home for indigent elderly folks and renamed Calor de Hogar (Warmth of Home). A second building was built on the grounds, and between the two there is room for 67 elders! It’s indeed a warm, inviting place where residents are treated with dignity and care; my siblings and I often visit there when we return to Medellín.

 

On my most recent trip, I saw that the main house was in dire need of a new roof! So I have decided to raise the needed funds. Doña Rosemary, an administrator at Calor to Hogar, has gotten three quotes from pro contractors and has chosen the best: the full cost will be $10,000 in US dollars.

 

The ENTIRE roof MUST be replaced, and because of all the leaking throughout the years, there’s some structural damage to the house that will need to be addressed. That’s why it’s a bit higher than usual.

 

There are a couple of pictures from our childhood in Casa Shalom; the rest are from April 2026 and show aspects of the damage. Please take a moment to look at them; feel free to ask questions and I will answer them as best I can. You’re also welcome to call doña Rosemary via WhatsApp (+57.311.389.5763).

 

Please note that there’s a donation link on the Calor de Hogar website, but if you give there, your money will NOT apply to the roof repair. *This site is the only place you can give toward the new roof.

 

I am very excited to be able to do this with YOUR help! And I know that Mom and Dad (Susy and Paul Goring) will be looking down from heaven with gratitude for ALL of us!

 

Once the roof job starts, I will upload progress pictures and keep you up to date and on the end result.

THANK YOU for your support!