On June 16th, AVSI Ecuador received a very special visit from Michael Fitzpatrick, the US Ambassador to Ecuador. Ambassador Fitzpatrick visited a multifamily housing unit, where AVSI has intervened with structural adjustments to guarantee a dignified living situation for the seven Venezuelan families who live there.
The activities in multifamily housing units are part of the larger “Integrados” project, funded by the US Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM). “Integrados” seeks to incorporate Venezuelans into Ecuadorian society through dignified shelter, access to social and legal services, and opportunities to generate income.
Ambassador Fitzpatrick spent several minutes speaking with Mrs. Maria Ines Calahorrando, the building’s owner, and her daughter Ms. Jacqueline Ortiz, saying, “Thank you for welcoming everyone and allowing them to live in the community. Thank you for opening physical spaces and opening your heart and showing the Ecuadorian kindness of the Andes.”
After meeting with the landlords, AVSI staff have led Ambassador Fitzpatrick on a tour through the different housing units, showing him “before” pictures to see the structural improvements made. Common needs in these spaces include new bathrooms, safer electrical wiring, improved kitchen spaces, and secure locks for front doors.