In Northern Brazil alone, due to intense and deadly floods, at least 30 people have been killed while hundreds of thousands of others are left injured and homeless. The story is the same for a slum located within Iquitos, Peru called Belen, also known as the “Venice of Peru.”
Belen is a very poor slum on the outskirts of the bustling city of Iquitos and for most who dwell within the slum, the relentless and extreme flooding has spelled out homelessness and even greater poverty.
Homes in Belen are either built on stilts to avoid the river during flood season, or anchored in place atop massive floating logs to allow the homes to rise and fall with the water. Most of the inhabitants of Belen, like our good friend Marlon Arirama, are not so lucky as the flooding far exceeds its seasonal limits and submerges their homes under water.
Marlon tells us that only a mere $170 USD is required in order to repair his home and the homes of his neighbors, and to repair and build new access roads and bridges. $170 USD in Peru goes an extremely long way — it is the equivalent of $500 in Peruvian Soles.
On Friday, May 29th, 2009 Direct Development International will host the “Belen Flood Relief Fundraiser,” featuring live music, in hopes of raising at least $170 to aid the people of Belen in their reconstruction efforts.
Make it out to the fundraiser for live bands and a great reason to directly lend a helping to our less fortunate Latin American neighbors.
Belen Flood Relief Fundraiser
When: Friday, May 29, 2009 @ 9pm
Where: 328 NW 8th St., Gainesville, FL 32601
How Much: $3-$5 donation
