Cáritas Venezuela supports 26,000 earthquake-affected families, focusing on rehabilitation

Cáritas Venezuela has provided substantial humanitarian aid following earthquakes on June 24, delivering 21,175 tons of supplies and distributing 86% of them, according to Susana Rafalli, an advisor for the organization. While the volume of aid is significant, Rafalli emphasized that the true measure of impact lies in the families reached, with Cáritas directly assisting approximately 26,000 households.

The organization is now transitioning its strategy from immediate emergency response to long-term rehabilitation. This phase focuses on rebuilding homes and re-establishing community life. Rafalli cautioned against prolonged, indiscriminate aid distribution, advocating instead for approaches that strengthen local capacities and value chains.

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The true metric is given by the family.

Cáritas is prioritizing strategic assistance, including water storage containers and minor home repair kits for certified habitable dwellings. They are also implementing prepaid cards and direct monetary transfers to enable affected families to purchase food from local businesses. This initiative aims to stimulate the economy in the crisis-stricken areas.

Rafalli also urged volunteer groups to coordinate their efforts through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The shift towards rehabilitation and local economic support signifies a move towards empowering affected communities to regain autonomy and self-sufficiency.

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We must move towards forms of assistance that are less aid-dependent and that rehabilitate value chains.