But for some in Cuenca, these times are more difficult than for others. The women we work with who have moved out from the shelter towards self-sufficiency are still living on the edge.
Thanks to the generosity of so many of you, we were able to raise approximately $7135 to assist the 30 women and 77 children in our program, who have started on the road to new and secure lives. Sadly, the pandemic has returned them to the edge. Back rent owed was $5885!
Most of the women we work with cannot return to work, because their children are not in school and childcare is no longer available in our shelter. We work with mothers who are still nursing babies, who have disabled children, and some who are disabled themselves.
Your contributions have enabled our Director, Diana Vazquez, to meet with each woman, visit their landlords, and pay the back rent. In one case, just as Diana arrived the landlord was evicting our client and moving the furniture out onto the street!
Diana also meets with each woman every week to provide donated food and money from the sale of the pretzels our women make.
But the needs continue. Collectively, our women’s monthly rent is $3745. We need books and games to keep the children busy. And as the weather gets colder, our women and children need warm clothes.
We are also looking at ways to provide internet and computers, so that the children can continue with their schoolwork.
We are so grateful for all your help. It has enabled our women to stay in their homes and continue their progress to safety and security. But sadly, until life gets back to normal the needs continue.
If you can find it in your heart to help us, we can receive donations through PayPal at this email address or please contact us to arrange for direct deposits or cash donations.
xoxo
Susan McBride
Baltazara de Calderon 2-26 y Miguel Velez.
Susan McBride: mcbsusan@outlook.com
