Since 2021, heavy rainfall has caused severe flooding in San Marcos, Colombia, destroying homes and crops. Thousands of people have lost their homes and continue to face significant economic and social challenges. One affected area is El Chopá, an impoverished community of 27 households.

In response, we have partnered with the Colombian organisation Corporación Organización el Minuto de Dios to create durable shelters that support families and protect them from floods.

The project, funded by a grant from a private sector partner, aims to provide shelters that serve as homes, classrooms, and child-friendly spaces for families in El Chopá and seven other communities in Colombia affected by disasters, violence, and discrimination.

In March 2024, our technical team visited El Chopá for an on-site training and learning exchange with our partner and community members. Together, they assembled an RHU Structure. Then, community members showed how to clad it with nepa, a strong material attached to the shelter frames, and rubber straps made from used car tyres. Francisco Luna is one of the beneficiaries of this new home. He used to live in a wooden structure that had been destroyed twice due to rot and termite damage. His new home offers better stability and protection.

This project aims to foster a resilient and empowered community by supporting them in building a new, safe, and dignified place to call home.