EARTHQUAKE UPDATE #4

This is the last and final update about the earthquake. News reports currently state the death toll is 500+ and rising. Additionally, More than 1000 injuried and there have been 400 aftershocks recorded of varrying sizes. All I can say is, It´s time to come home....



Dear Volunteers,

The second phase of the relief effort is in full-swing as international and Peruvian organizations focus on building temporary shelters, improving sanitary conditions, and passing-out blankets and food. Unfortunately, there continues to be distribution challenges which has led to a few instances of looting and public protest. Many of you have asked for information regarding donations to organizations that are helping in the relief effort. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is partnering with the following organizations to help those affected by the earthquake:

Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
CARE
Samaritan's Purse
World Vision

Any of these organizations would be good choices for friends and family to make monetary donations to help this worthy cause. They all have websites and easy instructions for making tax deductible donations.

In terms of Peace Corps/Peru, we are in the process of identifying the suitability of partner agencies in Ica in order to decide if and when to initiate the Crisis Corps program. Crisis Corps Volunteers work under a similar model than other Peace Corps Volunteers as they rely heavily on the support of counterpart agencies to structure their work. We hope to make a definitive decision regarding Crisis Corps in the coming weeks. Also, we have discussed the possibility of using in-country Volunteers for short-term assignments in Ica.