One of these is Juan Carlos Macias: his home was in the zero zone of Tarqui and has been listed for demolition. "It is frustrating to see the sacrifice of many years of work destroyed in less than a minute." Juan Carlos is a doctor by profession and a Salesian scout since the age of 14. He says he always liked to volunteer and serve others, especially those most in need. Even though he lost everything he still provides free medical care to people of the parish of Our Lady of the Rosary in Manta.
Yadira Chavez has not forgotten that moment that changed his life forever. In less than a minute he lost his home and now lives in a small room with his son Javier, who studied at the Istituto San Jose in Manta. "I do not know if my son will be able to study this year because I lost my job and I have no money. (...) While the walls were falling and the earth sank, my son and I started to pray and nothing happened to us."
Jorge Ferrín also lost his home. "We survived the earthquake. We have absolutely nothing. It has the feeling of being like a baby, because you have no clothes and you have the need for someone to take care of you and keep you going. (...) I'd like someone to give me an opportunity to work so to be able to pay for my daughter's studies."
In this situation the Salesian community in Ecuador is working to support all those who have lost their homes or loved ones.
One month after the earthquake, the needs are still many. They need help so that the children, young people and adults can have a better future.
