Help Families Affected by the Earthquakes in Venezuela

My name is Belle, and I live in New York. I am the only member of my family living outside of Venezuela. Today, I am reaching out hoping to bring relief to those in the small town where I grew up including my family who are there struggling as we speak.

My family lives in Anare, one of the many communities destroyed by the recent earthquakes. I also have relatives, friends, and loved ones in Naiguatá, Camurí Grande, Tanaguarena, Los Corales, Macuto, and Caracas, where many families have been affected.

Many people in these areas have lost everything. Families are without homes, clean drinking water, food, electricity, medical care, and other basic necessities. Many are still in the process of grieving lost loved ones. One of my cousins lost her seven-year-old twins. Her daughter tragically passed away, and her son remains in the hospital after losing his right arm and is now experiencing kidney failure. A close family friend lost his three young daughters, and one of my cousin's classmates lost his entire family and his home.

I am doing everything in my power to help the families effected by the earthquakes in Venezuela, including my own family. It's extremely painful to watch my family, friends and neighbors go through this from afar, knowing that there's only so much I can do for the people I love, and the many others who lost their loved ones.

That is why I am making this GoFundMe to provide direct humanitarian aid to those in need. Every donation will help purchase clean drinking water, food, medicine, hygiene supplies, tents, mattresses, clothing, and other essential items. My cousin and her firefighter friend will be delivering aid and materials to those in need. As some of the roads are blocked by structural damage and collapsed mountains, they will be strapping the supplies to motorcycles in order to assist people in areas where they're harder to reach. If we are fortunate enough to raise additional funds, I will also purchase much needed supplies here in the United States. Including nonperishable food, toilet paper, diapers, hygiene products, and medications; and ship them directly to Venezuela so they can reach families as quickly as possible. I want to help families in need, the people I grew up with, who fed me and housed me, who endured so much already.

My family and friends are being forced to sleep in the street, not knowing if they will have enough food or water, not knowing if their house is safe to sleep in., while some have completely lost their homes. Many are suffering, and this GoFundMe is an attempt to ease that suffering.

Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference. If you are unable to donate, sharing this campaign with your family, friends, and community is another powerful way to help.

From the bottom of our heart, thank you for your kindness and your generosity. Together, we can bring hope and relief to families who need it most during this incredibly difficult time.