Los Amigos is a faith-based organization dedicated to supporting programs that improve and transform the lives of the poor of Chimbote, Peru.

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Programs & Services

Infrastructure

Home-building and repair

While some fortunate families live in cement houses in the center of Chimbote, the vast majority of residents live on the sand at the outskirts of the city in houses woven from estera reed. These structures lack windows, plumbing, garbage pick-up, and other basic needs. Because the reed is flimsy, walls break down quickly and a roof, if one exists, rarely lasts long. Fire is a constant threat and sanitation is often poor. Because many families are too poor to repair or construct a house of their own, each structure usually contains more than one family. In 2007, over $4,500.00 was spent on providing new sheets of estera reed to families whose existing homes were deteriorating.

New homes also have been constructed. In the last ten years, Los Amigos has built five “quintas” (multi-family houses). Each quinta serves a specific population, such as disabled residents or families headed by single mothers. Quintas are built in a square with entrances facing inward toward an open courtyard. Families enter through one common, secure entrance. Quintas are built of fire-proof concrete blocks and each quinta provides shelter for fifteen or more families.

Occasionally, volunteer groups visiting the mission raise funds for and help to build new, single-family dwellings. For more information on this option, see the What to Do When You’re in Chimbote page.

Maintenance of gardens

Chimbote is at the top of Peru’s list of most contaminated cities. Sewage is dumped raw into the bay. Poor residents, who are not connected to the city sewer s ystem, use any open land to dispose of garbage and human waste. Because Chimbote is a desert and irrigation is expensive, most streets are composed of sand and refuse. In many areas, it is possible to look in every direction without seeing a single plant or tree. The lack of greenery creates a landscape devoid of beauty and of protection from air pollution (plants and trees often absorb dangerous air particles). In the late 1990s, Fr. Jack found donors to fund a small garden in front of the parish. Today, there are a number of gardens with trees, bushes, flowers and grasses, including the recently-added Gene and Cathy Simpkins Park near the main church in the parish. In addition to providing paid work to residents who maintain them, the gardens provide gathering spots for families, who often gather around them to enjoy and watch their growth.