Ecuador Earthquake Relief Fund

On April 16, 2016, a 7.8 earthquake struck the northern coast of  Ecuador claiming the lives of 654 people and the destruction of countless homes and buildings. As we approach the anniversary of the disaster, it’s important to reflect on the great work our partners have accomplished and continue to do on the ground. Thanks to your generous donations, our partners were able to lend a helping hand in the ongoing restoration of the Ecuadorian community.

During the aftermath of the earthquake, the YACHANA Foundation centered their emergency response around providing training courses for youth ages 18-24 in construction skills such as masonry, electricity, and carpentry, for the purpose of rebuilding damaged areas. The Foundation hosted courses at the Yachana facilities in which provided housing and free tuition for the young men from affected areas. They were able to focus on three projects, the substructure of a deck, the construction of concrete steps and the construction of a washing area. These projects were able to help the men develop keys skills that they can apply to the work needed in their communities. Take a look at YACHANA’s project, Rebuilding the Future In Coastal Ecuador, to track their progress.

The rehabilitation efforts continue to be a high priority for IsraAID as they create long-term recovery strategies in earthquake-affected communities. So far the project, Emergency Response to the Ecuador Earthquake, has implemented safe water programs that have provided thousand of people with clean water. IsraAID has also given over 1,800 people psychosocial support and nearly 800 people with medical assistance. However, their work doesn’t stop there.  They distributed hygiene kits assisting 1,000 people, back to school supplies to children, and protection kits to women in the refugee site of Maria Auxiliadora.

All Hands Volunteers immediately responded to the disaster by setting up 31 temporary shelters in order to provide a safe and accommodating place for displaced families. For long-term solutions, they selected 30 families affected by the earthquake and constructed 30 homes from the ground up by using sustainable resources like bamboo to stabilize homes and prevent damage from future disasters.

After the earthquake, Israel Foundation - CDC Community Development Center established their recovery efforts in Bahia de Caraquez located in the province of Manabi, to promote micro-economic development and equip families with entrepreneurial skills. In October, the Israel Foundation celebrated the opening of the CDC Community Development Center in Leonidas Plaza where the population was highly impacted by the disaster. During the opening, the organization hosted a workshop where the community worked in teams of 10 to create banners and share their themes. There were also fun activities for the children to participate in such as face painting and creating Christmas crafts. The event was able to unite the community and increase engagement.

Volunteers for Interamerican Development Assistance remains committed to filling containers with medical supplies and equipment to the Guayaquil hospital system. They were able to assist doctors and medical staff with the necessary tools to provide coverage to those affected by the earthquake.

There has been tremendous improvements in the recovery efforts in Ecuador and none of it would’ve been possible without your donations! To continue supporting our partners visit the Ecuador Earthquake Relief Fund.