Relief For Vulnerable Families and Seniors In Chile

Chalice's COVID-19 disaster fund distributed nearly $613,000 to families in our sites who were hit the hardest by the global pandemic. At our Arica site in Chile, $12,453.35 was used to help sponsored children and seniors, as well as non-sponsored seniors with chronic medical conditions who were abandoned by their families and live alone.

In Chile, seniors over 75 years old were prohibited from going outside due to the pandemic, forcing them to make quick outings to higher priced neighborhood convenience stores because they had no one to travel to the cheaper supermarkets for them. While seniors in Chile do receive a small pension, it is barely enough to survive. Without family support, most seniors live a lonely existence, unable to afford their medications or nutritious food. According to a report by the Ministry of Social Development, the price of a basic food basket rose in October 2019, then again in January, and doubled in April 2020, making it even harder for poor seniors and families to make ends meet.

To help those most in need, the site director requested for a small portion of the relief funds be used to help 10 very vulnerable seniors who were suffering. The site purchased a food basket of non-perishable items large enough to last three months so they would only have to purchase a small amount of food in the small shops. Some of the seniors require Ensure nutritional supplement drinks due to their medical conditions. Ensure is very expensive, so they also received a three-month supply.

Audolina, 86, was so grateful to receive a food basket from our generous supporters. When her brother died of a heart attack, she took in and raised her four nephews. They love her but sadly are unable to help her due to their own financial troubles. The four nephews have moved away in search of employment, leaving Audolina alone. In 2016 she was diagnosed with heart disease and her house is run-down, with windowless frames and a leaky roof. She doesn't have a stove or refrigerator and there are days when she has no food. Thanks to the help of a kindly neighbor, she receives a plate of food on Saturdays and Sundays.

We wouldn't be able to do our work without your support. Thank you dear supporters for helping us bring Christ to the poor and the poor to Christ. God bless.