Help Venezuela rebuild: relief for families after the earthquake

My name is Miguel Fernández. Many of you know me. I'm from Caracas, Venezuela. On the 24th of June, the north-central region of my home country was struck by two massive earthquakes — the strongest in over a century, with magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, followed by several aftershocks over the next 24 hours.

The early figures are devastating: hundreds confirmed dead, thousands injured, and tens of thousands still missing. As rescue efforts continue — led by countless volunteers, due to the lack of response from the Venezuelan regime, risking their own safety to search through the rubble — these numbers keep rising.

An estimated 6.7 million people could be affected countrywide (United Nations). Hundreds of buildings have collapsed, with the coastal state of La Guaira the hardest hit.

Thankfully, my family is safe. But as you may know, I have been living in exile for seven years, as a direct consequence of the very humanitarian crisis my country was already enduring. From here, I feel called to activate the international network I've built over these years.

Here is what I am asking of you: to prepare a medium-term relief.

Right now, the world is mobilising to save lives, and that is wonderful. There are funds and people racing to pull survivors from the rubble. But after the emergency has passed, millions will be left alone, having lost their loved ones, their homes, and their means to survive. We can help people rebuild their homes, their livelihoods, and a little of their dignity and hope.

Target = 30,000€ — equal to rebuilding one home, repairing 3 homes, a basic wardrobe for 37 families, or feeding 50 families for a month.

Where to donate — Caritas: through its network across the country and decades of presence, Caritas has one of the broadest reaches of any organisation in Venezuela, and is already running dozens of local collection and distribution centres in the affected areas. It is transparent, well-established, and based in Germany.

Alumni USB: a non-profit formed by graduates of Simón Bolívar University — my own university, with a campus in one of the areas most affected by the earthquake. Alumni USB has activated a dedicated emergency relief effort providing meals, essential supplies, and direct support to the most affected communities.

I've met so many wonderful, generous people in my years abroad, and I know that you care. So let's make this collection a big one. And if you can't give money, please get in touch and let's put your skills and goodwill to work. Alongside the campaign, with the help of many, we'll organise charity events such as concerts and sports meetups.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Miguel — miguel@seguridadestructural.org