The people affected by the earthquake in Venezuela on June 24, 2026, are not alone. Immediately after the quake, AMU —together with the Focolare Movement’s Emergency Coordination and Action for New Families (AFN) —supported the Venezuelan community with essential aid (click here to donate) for food, medical care, housing, and shelter in several cities across the country, also working closely with local churches.
Thanks to the contributions and generosity of our supporters, we are able to bring closeness and relief to people in this post-earthquake phase, which continues to be extremely difficult and painful.
We want to share some of the stories from the field that show how solidarity translates into real support for those in extremely vulnerable situations.
Immediate support in times of pain
We had the opportunity to connect with a man who is experiencing a difficult, painful, and complex situation. Due to the earthquake, his pregnant wife suffered serious complications and required an emergency cesarean section. The baby was born prematurely, in the seventh month, and sadly died a few days later. The mother spent several days in intensive care before being discharged.
Once home, the family faced an extreme shortage of basic necessities. Without wasting time, thanks to the funds raised, we immediately intervened to provide them with the food and medicines needed to support the woman’s recovery.
Home repairs
Ms. OS is an elderly member of the community who lives in a building marked with a yellow sticker, meaning it’s considered at risk of structural damage. The earthquake caused serious damage from the first to fifth floors of the building and severely damaged the internal stairwells.
The city is providing support for structural repairs, but to begin repairing the stairs, each apartment must pay a fee of $200.
Ms. OS lives alone on her pension; she has neither sufficient financial resources nor family members to support her. Despite her personal difficulties, Ms. OS has always been on the front lines for others. Through emergency funds, we were able to cover the requested amount, allowing her to begin securing her home.
The aftermath of the 2026 Venezuela earthquake: rebuilding after losing your home
R.Ch. is a young architect and professor at the Central University of Venezuela, where his parents also teach. The family lived in Playa Grande (Catia La Mar). At the time of the earthquake, all three of them were in church for mass.
Although the structure of their building remains standing, it is no longer possible to re-enter, and demolitions are underway in the surrounding area, further compromising its stability. Forced to abandon their home, they moved to Caracas, where they are temporarily staying with a family while they wait to find rental accommodation. Rent costs in the city, however, are extremely high, and the family’s income is barely enough to cover food costs. We stepped in and donated a full grocery package.
R.Ch. wanted to share a message of thanks to all those who are supporting the relief efforts:
“Dear friends, on behalf of my parents and myself, we wish to extend our sincerest thanks for your extraordinary help, which has enabled us to cover our medical and food expenses. Thank you so much.”
Every donation and every gesture of kindness allows us to continue providing groceries, medicines, shelter, and dignity to those facing the consequences of this emergency.