Driven by a strong sense of service and a longstanding commitment to supporting the most vulnerable communities, the Wiese Foundation has taken proactive measures ahead of the impending Global El Niño Phenomenon.
The aforementioned climate event is projected to significantly impact various parts of Peru during the next rainy season, expected between late 2023 and early 2024. In response, the Wiese Foundation has decided to act preventively—going beyond typical emergency responses—to support vulnerable families at risk from this natural disaster.
The El Niño Phenomenon and Its Impact
To understand the significance of this initiative, it is enough to recall the devastating consequences of the most recent Coastal El Niño, which occurred during the last rainy season earlier this year. The floods and landslides caused substantial damage to health systems, homes, public infrastructure, and economic activities in the affected areas, further worsening living conditions for the most vulnerable populations.
Despite still recovering from that catastrophic event, these same populations are now facing another potentially devastating climate event—the Global El Niño—which is predicted to range in intensity from moderate to strong, according to the latest report from ENFEN (Peru’s National Multisectoral Commission for the El Niño Phenomenon Study).
In anticipation, the Wiese Foundation launched its new humanitarian aid campaign in May, entitled "Together We Build Hope", aiming to respond to the upcoming crisis—this time, with a preventive approach.
The Beginning of a Valuable Partnership
The project had an unusual but valuable beginning. Father Omar of the Association of the Beatitudes called upon various institutions capable of making good use of a group of prefabricated housing units originally built in 2018.
Temporary Housing Modules – BSF Warehouses (Photo: Association of the Beatitudes)
The Wiese Foundation was the first to respond, immediately committing to transport, refurbish, install, and deliver 100 homes in partnership with its institutional ally, ADRA Peru.
Verification and Preparation
A joint team from the Wiese Foundation and ADRA Peru inspected the homes to assess their condition and livability. They then transported 100 of them to a storage facility in Lima, where they underwent refurbishment before being shipped to their final destinations.
Inspection and Evaluation Process of the Temporary Housing Modules (Photo: Association of the Beatitudes)
Once at the Wiese Foundation’s designated warehouse in Lima, the units went through a meticulous inspection and restoration process. Due to several years of exposure to the elements, new doors were manufactured for all homes, and damaged or missing parts were either repaired or replaced.
Technical Specifications of the Prefabricated Homes
Identification of Safe Zones and Beneficiaries
Simultaneously, the identification of beneficiaries began in coordination with local authorities and community leaders from three regions in Piura. The selection was based on two key criteria:
- The extreme vulnerability of potential beneficiaries (e.g., extreme poverty, health conditions, family composition).
- The location of their homes, ensuring they were situated in safe areas (elevated terrain, away from riverbanks, landslide-free zones, etc.).
Beneficiary Identification Process
Toward the Northern Coast
Once the beneficiary families and target areas were confirmed, the second phase commenced: transporting the 100 housing units to northern coastal areas severely affected by past events, specifically Parachique – La Bocana, Mala Vida (Sullana), and Chapairá (Piura).
A crew of specialized workers from Cusco, joined by local community volunteers and a field leadership team, was tasked with identifying the precise location for each home. They then proceeded with assembly and final repairs to ensure the homes were ready for handover.
Goal Achieved
Delivery of Homes to Beneficiary Families
The Wiese Foundation is proud to announce the successful completion of this humanitarian project. All prefabricated homes have been built and delivered to the intended families. This achievement represents a significant step toward a safer and more resilient future in the face of natural disasters.
100 homes donated = 100 families supported
- C.P. Parachique – La Bocana: 50 homes delivered
- C.P. Mala Vida: 28 homes delivered
- C.P. Chapairá: 22 homes delivered
A New Home, A Better Quality of Life
The project's completion demonstrates the Wiese Foundation’s ability to deliver effective, direct, and meaningful support to communities in need.
These prefabricated homes were designed specifically to withstand extreme weather conditions. Constructed from high-quality materials such as fiber cement and galvanized steel, they offer resistance to rain and humidity. They also feature laminated flooring and sloped roofs to facilitate rainwater drainage. The houses are elevated above ground level to minimize flood risks. Additionally, the inclusion of windows on both facades and protective mesh panels ensures cross-ventilation and safeguards residents from insect bites—enhancing comfort and well-being.
Before and After: Installation and Beneficiaries
A Continued Commitment
The Wiese Foundation’s dedication to prevention and humanitarian aid remains steadfast. Additional actions are planned for 2024 to respond to emergencies in other critical regions across the country.
As it has done for the past seven years, the Wiese Foundation will continue bringing relief and hope to those most vulnerable in the face of emergencies and disasters, with the goal of contributing to the development of a stronger and more resilient Peru.
This project stands as proof that coordinated efforts, strong partnerships, preventive action, and the involvement of compassionate individuals can make a real difference in the lives of entire communities. The Wiese Foundation extends its gratitude to everyone who made this project possible, including donors, partner institutions, local authorities, and, most of all, the dedicated and local people who helped build these 100 homes. Thanks to their efforts, many highly vulnerable individuals now have a safe place to call home.
To learn more about the Wiese Foundation’s projects and initiatives, visit www.fundacionwiese.org or follow them on social media.
