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While the devastation caused by the eruption of the Fuego Volcano on June 3, 2018 has long since been forgotten by international news outlets, the suffering of those affected by this tragedy is far from over.
Thousands upon thousands of individuals remain displaced from their homes, the majority of which are still living in makeshift emergency shelters in schools, churches, gyms and other locations around the region. The living conditions in these shelters are sub-par at best, and are by no means any kind of viable long term solution.
Shortly after the eruption I began working with my friend and partner Hector Robles to support the people of La Trinidad, a small coffee farming village of about 900 people situated directly on the mountainside of Fuego. The money I raised from friends and family in the early days provided critical support where it was needed most (transportation costs, housing materials for families lucky enough to find new land, emergency medical supplies, etc.). I can’t thank those who have already donated enough for their contributions. And while that support was incredibly meaningful and helpful, there’s still much work to be done, and a great deal of need to be met.
Now that the initial threat and chaos of the emergency has subsided, the community of La Trinidad is looking forward to future. The local authorities have declared La Trinidad as “Zona Roja” (Red Zone) - in other words, completely uninhabitable. All members of the community have been evacuated, with the exception of a rotating “security committee.” (In order to prevent heartless thieves and looters from taking advantage of the all but abandoned village, armed men from the community volunteer to stand guard around the clock. A sad but all too true reality of life in Guatemala.)
Given that they’re unable to return to their homes, there are many decisions that will need to be made as they determine a long-term course of action. In the short term, the community leaders of La Trinidad have developed a plan for the next 3 months that outlines their expected financial needs. In total, they’re seeking Q66,600 (local currency), which is about $8,900 USD, depending on the exchange rate. The breakdown of these needs is listed below, and I'm happy to share their original document upon request.
“Why La Trinidad?” you ask? There are many communities out there that have been affected by the eruption - some are worse off than La Trinidad, some are better. As much as I would love nothing more than to right every wrong and unbreak every heart that’s been broken in the wake of this tragedy, I’m only one person. My goal is to do the most good possible in the most targeted and impactful way. For some reason or another, [ the universe / god / karma / the force ] brought me into contact with Hector and the people of La Trinidad, and that’s where I’m going to direct my efforts.
The village has a heartbreaking and inspiring history - believe it or not this isn’t the first time they’ve been displaced. Founded in 1998, La Trinidad has only been in existence for the last 20 years. Prior to 1998, the families of La Trinidad had been living as refugees in Mexico, having fled there to avoid oppression and murder at the hands of the government during the Guatemalan Civil War. After the signing of the peace treaty in 1996, the government slowly began providing land to those who had fled so they could return to their country. But, to no one’s surprise, the land these people were given was the cheapest available. In the case of La Trinidad (and many other surrounding communities) this land was directly below the mouth of an active volcano, in an area that the government knew to be at risk for disaster. Be that as it may, over the last 20 years the people of La Trinidad were able to build a strong community and coffee business for themselves.
While the damage and setback caused by the eruption is devastating, I have no doubt that these resilient families will find a way to rebuild and begin anew. In the meantime, I am humbly asking for your help in supporting them during this time of need. Whether you’re able to give $5 or $500, I can give you my personal guarantee that it will be used in the most impactful way possible, and will go directly to support those who need it most. If you have any questions or would like to know more info before you give, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for your time and support. It is in times of crisis such as these that we realize the importance of standing together.
In service and solidarity,
Don
===================
La Trinidad Community Volcano Relief Efforts:
Estimated Financial Needs (3 month period)
> FOOD // Supplementation for Sheltered Families (Fruits, Vegetables, Chicken, Beef): $1,870 / month ($5,610 total)
(The food situation for the families living in shelters is extremely uncertain at the moment. As the Guatemalan government begins to take over feeding in official shelters, NGO’s and other groups that have been providing meals are being forced to end their service. Given the uncertainty around provisions in the coming months, the community leaders are working to ensure that these families have a source of food they can depend on.)
> TRANSPORTATION // Vehicle Support: $670 / month ($2,010 total)
(Gasoline, lubricant and other needs for the 3 trucks used by the community to support community members, transport security team to and from the community, relocate families, etc.)
> COMMUNICATION // Telephone Credit for 12 Community Leaders: $160 / month ($480 total)
(Pre-paid cell phone credit for community leaders to be able to communicate with one another, members of the community, as well as with other partners and collaborators currently supporting their efforts.)
> SECURITY // Security Team Support: $800 total (one-time expense)
(The security team guarding the evacuated village needs additional equipment, including radios and flashlights, as they continue to safeguard the town from thieves.)
(Some of the kids from La Trinidad at the shelter in Palín. Peace and love!)
Thousands upon thousands of individuals remain displaced from their homes, the majority of which are still living in makeshift emergency shelters in schools, churches, gyms and other locations around the region. The living conditions in these shelters are sub-par at best, and are by no means any kind of viable long term solution.
Shortly after the eruption I began working with my friend and partner Hector Robles to support the people of La Trinidad, a small coffee farming village of about 900 people situated directly on the mountainside of Fuego. The money I raised from friends and family in the early days provided critical support where it was needed most (transportation costs, housing materials for families lucky enough to find new land, emergency medical supplies, etc.). I can’t thank those who have already donated enough for their contributions. And while that support was incredibly meaningful and helpful, there’s still much work to be done, and a great deal of need to be met.
Now that the initial threat and chaos of the emergency has subsided, the community of La Trinidad is looking forward to future. The local authorities have declared La Trinidad as “Zona Roja” (Red Zone) - in other words, completely uninhabitable. All members of the community have been evacuated, with the exception of a rotating “security committee.” (In order to prevent heartless thieves and looters from taking advantage of the all but abandoned village, armed men from the community volunteer to stand guard around the clock. A sad but all too true reality of life in Guatemala.)
Given that they’re unable to return to their homes, there are many decisions that will need to be made as they determine a long-term course of action. In the short term, the community leaders of La Trinidad have developed a plan for the next 3 months that outlines their expected financial needs. In total, they’re seeking Q66,600 (local currency), which is about $8,900 USD, depending on the exchange rate. The breakdown of these needs is listed below, and I'm happy to share their original document upon request.
“Why La Trinidad?” you ask? There are many communities out there that have been affected by the eruption - some are worse off than La Trinidad, some are better. As much as I would love nothing more than to right every wrong and unbreak every heart that’s been broken in the wake of this tragedy, I’m only one person. My goal is to do the most good possible in the most targeted and impactful way. For some reason or another, [ the universe / god / karma / the force ] brought me into contact with Hector and the people of La Trinidad, and that’s where I’m going to direct my efforts.
The village has a heartbreaking and inspiring history - believe it or not this isn’t the first time they’ve been displaced. Founded in 1998, La Trinidad has only been in existence for the last 20 years. Prior to 1998, the families of La Trinidad had been living as refugees in Mexico, having fled there to avoid oppression and murder at the hands of the government during the Guatemalan Civil War. After the signing of the peace treaty in 1996, the government slowly began providing land to those who had fled so they could return to their country. But, to no one’s surprise, the land these people were given was the cheapest available. In the case of La Trinidad (and many other surrounding communities) this land was directly below the mouth of an active volcano, in an area that the government knew to be at risk for disaster. Be that as it may, over the last 20 years the people of La Trinidad were able to build a strong community and coffee business for themselves.
While the damage and setback caused by the eruption is devastating, I have no doubt that these resilient families will find a way to rebuild and begin anew. In the meantime, I am humbly asking for your help in supporting them during this time of need. Whether you’re able to give $5 or $500, I can give you my personal guarantee that it will be used in the most impactful way possible, and will go directly to support those who need it most. If you have any questions or would like to know more info before you give, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for your time and support. It is in times of crisis such as these that we realize the importance of standing together.
In service and solidarity,
Don
===================
La Trinidad Community Volcano Relief Efforts:
Estimated Financial Needs (3 month period)
> FOOD // Supplementation for Sheltered Families (Fruits, Vegetables, Chicken, Beef): $1,870 / month ($5,610 total)
(The food situation for the families living in shelters is extremely uncertain at the moment. As the Guatemalan government begins to take over feeding in official shelters, NGO’s and other groups that have been providing meals are being forced to end their service. Given the uncertainty around provisions in the coming months, the community leaders are working to ensure that these families have a source of food they can depend on.)
> TRANSPORTATION // Vehicle Support: $670 / month ($2,010 total)
(Gasoline, lubricant and other needs for the 3 trucks used by the community to support community members, transport security team to and from the community, relocate families, etc.)
> COMMUNICATION // Telephone Credit for 12 Community Leaders: $160 / month ($480 total)
(Pre-paid cell phone credit for community leaders to be able to communicate with one another, members of the community, as well as with other partners and collaborators currently supporting their efforts.)
> SECURITY // Security Team Support: $800 total (one-time expense)
(The security team guarding the evacuated village needs additional equipment, including radios and flashlights, as they continue to safeguard the town from thieves.)
(Some of the kids from La Trinidad at the shelter in Palín. Peace and love!)