LETS GIVE THEM THE DIGNITY THEY DESERVE

Hi there,

I want to share with you a deeply human story made possible by your support of our Shared Housing for Dignity project.

At an iconic building in Balmaceda 736 — the first property ever acquired by Hogar de Cristo in the region back in 1985 — a renewed shelter has opened. Today, people who once experienced life on the streets are finding more than a roof over their heads: they’re finding hope, belonging, and a chance to rebuild their lives.

For example, Óscar, one of the first residents, described how life on the street was cold, lonely and filled with indifference. He said what moved him the most was not only a warm bed or a hot meal, but being treated as a human being again — seen, heard, and welcomed. This place is more than a shelter; it’s a chance to feel dignity, to reconnect with society, and to begin a new path.

Our shared-housing model offers two ways in: a residential space for those on a reinsertion journey, and a day-center space where people receive food, hygiene support, social accompaniment and a safe environment to rest and rebuild.

Because of you, we’re not only giving people shelter — we’re giving them back their dignity, their sense of belonging, and the possibility of rewriting their story.

We also want to let you know that today is a special day, as GlobalGiving is celebrating Giving Tuesday, and if you donate to this cause, GlobalGiving will match your contribution. What do you say?

DONATE HERE: LETS GIVE THEM THE DIGNITY THEY DESERVE

With heartfelt gratitude,
Hogar de Cristo

Hi there,

I’m reaching out to share an update on a project you helped make possible through our Let’s Give Them the Dignity They Deserve initiative.

Thanks to supporters like you, Hogar de Cristo is building a new shelter in Calama to offer safety and hope to people experiencing homelessness. Construction began in August 2024, and as of July 2025, the building has reached 38% physical progress, which represents approximately 25% of the total investment.

One year after laying the first stone, we are aiming for full completion by May 2026. Once operational, the shelter will serve 85 people each day—55 adults living on the streets, and 30 vulnerable older adults through our home support program.

Solange Veloso, our National Director of Social Operations, reminds us:

“This building is much more than construction—it’s a dignified, modern refuge offering protection and hope.… Calama needs concrete, urgent solutions, and this shelter delivers that.”

Leonel Rodríguez, Head of Territorial Operations, adds that this project reflects real collaboration between public institutions and civil society to confront poverty and exclusion.

Thank you for being part of this mission. Your support brings real dignity and safety to the most vulnerable communities in Calama.

With deep gratitude,
Hogar de Cristo