Chilean NGO TECHO to host charity event in Miami for Venezuelan earthquake victims

A Chilean non-governmental organization, TECHO, is organizing a significant charitable event in Miami on August 28 to support families impacted by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24. The event, titled 'Miami Ayuda a Venezuela,' seeks to mobilize resources for the reconstruction efforts in the affected regions.

TECHO, which operates in 18 Latin American countries, plans to raise funds to construct 200 housing modules for families displaced by the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes. These tremors severely impacted northern Venezuela, particularly the La Guaira state, leaving an estimated 18,000 people without homes. The event will take place at the Faena Forum in Miami Beach and will feature performances by Venezuelan artists.

Nicolás Cipriota, CEO of TECHO in the United States, described the event as an invitation to the entire Latin community to come together and "return hope to families who lost everything." The evening is planned to include personal testimonies, insights from regional leaders, artistic presentations, and live donation opportunities. This initiative aims to accelerate the rebuilding process for those most vulnerable.

Previously, Juan José Ayarza, TECHO's global executive director, stated in late July that the organization's initial plan was to build 200 homes in Venezuela. They had identified potential sites in 12 communities across several states, including Falcón, Yaracuy, Carabobo, Aragua, Miranda, and La Guaira. The planned houses are 18 square meters each, constructed from pressed wood or fibrocement. Volunteers have been on the ground since the earthquakes to assess vulnerability and identify suitable locations. The World Bank estimates the total damage from the earthquakes at $19.6 billion.