My name is Valheria Rocha. I am administering this fundraiser on behalf of my family in Colombia.

On August 10, a strong earthquake devastated a large region of Colombia. Amongst the most affected cities was Cali, my hometown.

Most of my family members live in Cali, and though we are so grateful that none of them were injured, three families on my mother's side (The Cuartas Family) lost their homes:

My Aunt Olga and cousin Ana Maria had to leave their apartment after their building was deemed uninhabitable. They moved into the first floor of a house that is owned by all the Cuartas siblings, where my Aunt Alexandra and my cousin Juan Manuel (and his family) lived in two apartments that were on the second floor of that house.

However, the roof completely collapsed, leaving the two upper apartments uninhabitable and exposed to the elements. Additionally, as the days have passed and the rain and aftershocks have continued, the damage has since spread into the first floor. Walls are showing stress cracks; there is rubble, and the living conditions are far from safe. They have nowhere else to go, so all six of them are currently sharing the first floor of the house, despite its current conditions, but this is neither safe nor sustainable long-term.

This has been devastating and stressful for our family, and the other siblings, spread out around the world, have been coming together to send money and help as much as they can. However, the damage far exceeds what we’ve been able to cover, and that is why I am creating this campaign.

The damage is substantial and has only gotten worse The rain has not stopped, and aftershocks from the earthquake are still being felt. Repairing the house will require: -a technical and structural evaluation

-safe removal of debris and rubble

-construction materials

-a full rebuild of the collapsed ceiling, with professional, specialized labor to make the house safe again

The quote we've received for these repairs in Colombia amounts to more than $40,000 USD. Our hope is that anything we raise will go toward these repair costs, as well as any additional basic needs for all three affected families.

The funds will be collected by my Aunt Adriana in Texas and transferred directly to one of the Cuartas siblings’ bank accounts in Colombia and dispersed amongst repair costs and the three affected families..

Repairing this house will not give our family members back their own homes filled with all their personal belongings and memories. But a safe, dry, sturdy roof over their heads would be a major blessing to them. Their lives have been forever changed, and though it will not be comfortable or easy for them to all live in one house, after having their own individual homes, we are all grateful that there is at least a home left to fix, when so many have lost so much more.

I am asking my friends and anyone who can help to support my family through this devastating situation. It has been tremendously difficult to be so far away and to feel so helpless and powerless throughout this. In the midst of all the chaos, we have seen people from all over the world turn their hearts towards Colombia, and this has meant so much to us.

We know that rebuilding will be a long road, but we also deeply believe in people’s kindness, solidarity, and generosity.

Any amount will help. And if you can't donate, sharing this campaign brings us one step closer to our goal—and our family members one step closer to safety.

On behalf of my entire family, I want to say thank you for your kindness, your generosity, your prayers and good energy, and your time in reading and sharing this.

With deep gratitude,

Valheria and the Cuartas Ruiz Family