Caritas has inaugurated 78 houses in Pisco, as part of its rebuilding programme following Peru’s 2007 earthquake.

Over 960 families in the departments of Lima, Ica and Huancavelica have so far received homes as part of Caritas’ rebuilding projects, which have been supported by Caritas Switzerland, Caritas Luxembourg and the Government of Luxembourg. 

“The rebuilding project in the Humay district isn’t just about providing homes,” says Luis Peña, the project coordinator. “We’re also putting a major emphasis on health and hygiene by building better kitchens and loos and we help with nutrition by helping people grow things.”

The earthquake which hit Peru in August destroyed tens of thousands of homes and left over 400 people dead.

The housing is the latest phase in Caritas’ response to Peru’s earthquake. In the immediate aftermath Caritas launched an US$11 million (8 million euro). It initially focused on providing people with food, water, blankets, food and hygiene kits and temporary shelter.

Caritas also trained clergy and lay people to provide counseling to deal with the fear and uncertainty caused by the earthquake. It created support groups for people suffering from post-traumatic stress.

Caritas in Peru in turn has given support and solidarity to Haiti and Chile following their recent earthquakes.

In May 2008, Cardinal Óscar Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga, President of Caritas Internationalis, was presented with an award by the Peruvian Government in recognition of his work as head of Caritas to help the victims of the 2007 earthquake.

For more information, please contact Michelle Hough on +39 06 69879721/+39 334 2344136 or hough@caritas.va