La Chureca - Planned Demolition and Status

Planned Demolition and Status

There are a number of international organizations and NGOs that have been working in La Chureca for a number of years. Many of these organizations have succeeded in building community centers, community libraries, and schools. Some of these NGOs include: Project Chacocente, Colegio Cristiano La Esperanza, Mision Cristiana Corazones Abierto, Austin Samaritans and Manna Project International (MPI) work with a local NGO FUNJOFUDESS and sponsor the only health clinic in La Chureca - Casa Base de Salud, Children’s Smile and Hope Association, NICA, Catholic Youth Advocates, Inc. and HOPE. In August 2007, radical change got underway in La Chureca due to a visit by María Teresa Fernández de la Vega, the Vice President of Spain’s government, during an official visit to Nicaragua. A few months after the Vice President’s visit, the AECID (the Spanish Agency of International Development Collaborations), revealed a 30 million Euro integral development project for La Chureca. This is a three part project which includes: firstly, closing down the existing dumpster; secondly, creating a new alternative recycling industry for the waste; and thirdly, housing and social integration alternatives for those living or working in or around La Chureca. The idea of the project is to bring dignity to people (Grisby Vergara, 2008). Interestingly, this project is seen as a threat to many of the people working in La Chureca because many of them are scared of being left without any means of livelihood. Kara Westermann, along with Audra Omer Altehua, also leads a non-profit organization called "The Beauty for Ashes Project" (taken from Isaiah 61:1-3) that builds personal relationships with the people. She has been taking groups to La Chureca since 2008, and has been able to build homes and give hope to the people that have none. "The Beauty for Ashes Project" is based in Rock Hill, SC. On January 17, 2013 Kara Westermann moved to Nicaragua so she could fully commit to the people that need our help.