Response to Unfolding Disaster

Huasta House of Hope, under the direction of Kepler Padilla, Past Grand Knight of Laconia Council 428 Knights of Columbus, and founder of Huasta House of Hope responded to a natural disaster unfolding in Peru as a result of cyclone Yaku, a storm equivalent to a category 4 hurricane hitting the area beginning with the Andes in the north western region of the country and traveling through the agricultural region before hitting the city of Lima. Lima shaped like a giant bowl is surrounded by hills which have been transformed into shanty towns inhabited by those who have migrated to the city in hopes of a better life. Since the area is not legally incorporated into the city of Lima, it receives no services such as lights, garbage removal, sewage and most important only basic delivery of water brought by tanker once a week. Aside from dumping seven hours of rain on these huts which are mostly blue tarped make-shift huts, each home has its own cistern which the residents fill by purchasing water from the tanker. To prevent the spread of disease from contaminated water, Huasta, under the supervision of Brother Cesar Vallejos, who is a Knight of Laconia Council 428 and the resident manager of Huasta House of Hope contracted with a tanker company to deliver water to the 6800 residents of a portion of the shanty town which houses three soup kitchens supported by the House. Each truckload of 2500 gallons of water costs $75.00 U.S. for a weekly cost of $375.00 U.S .. The contract is for delivery five times a week for six weeks, depending on the generosity of the donors who support Huasta House of Hope. Brother Kepler Padilla, and the Board of Directors of Huasta House of Hope thank you for your continued support.