When the ground began to shake on June 24, families across north-central Venezuela had little warning. Within minutes, homes collapsed, neighbourhoods were reduced to rubble, and thousands were forced to flee in search of safety.
In the weeks since the Venezuela earthquakes, the reality has been overwhelming. Entire communities, particularly in La Guaira and Caracas, are now living in temporary shelters, schools, or open spaces. Parents are trying to provide stability for their children, even as aftershocks continue and daily life remains uncertain.
As of July 10, thousands of lives have been lost, tens of thousands of people have been injured or displaced, and many more remain unaccounted for. Access to safe shelter, clean water, and reliable healthcare has been disrupted, placing additional strain on those already coping with profound loss.
Through World Renew’s local partner, FundaCRECER (the social action and humanitarian development arm of the Christian Reformed Church of Venezuela), 130 families in temporary shelters are receiving essential food and hygiene supplies, along with something equally critical, though often less visible: emotional and psychological care. These efforts build on World Renew’s ongoing response to the Venezuela earthquakes.
Safe and Supportive Spaces
For children, disasters like earthquakes can be especially frightening. Many have experienced sudden loss, separation from loved ones, and fear from aftershocks. Without early support, these experiences can leave lasting emotional scars. Providing safe spaces where children are supported is a critical part of reducing these risks and promoting healing after the Venezuela earthquakes.
FundaCRECER’s response includes Child Friendly Spaces: simple, structured environments where children can gather, play, and begin to process what they have experienced. In these safe spaces, children are given room to laugh, create, learn, and gradually rebuild a sense of stability. Caring adults are trained to walk alongside them and offer protection from the many ongoing risks that crises can bring.
The emotional needs extend beyond children. Many parents and caregivers are coping with grief, shock, and the stress of displacement, all while trying to care for their families. To support them, FundaCRECER is providing Psychological First Aid (PFA), a humane, practical approach to helping people in the immediate aftermath of trauma. According to The United Nations and World Health Organization, PFA helps people feel safe, connected, and supported in the days following a crisis. It focuses on listening with care, meeting immediate needs, and helping individuals regain a sense of calm and control.
Steps Toward Healing After the Venezuela Earthquakes
World Renew understands the importance of healing in the journey toward restoration. That’s why we are supporting FundaCRECER in ensuring trained staff and volunteers are present in communities, listening to their stories, offering comfort, and helping them take their first steps forward, both emotionally and practically.
Alongside this psychosocial care, families are receiving food baskets containing essentials such as rice, pasta, precooked corn flour, lentils, canned fish, and powdered milk. Families also are receiving hygiene kits with items like soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, and sanitary pads to support health and dignity in challenging conditions.
Your generosity is making this work possible. Because of supporters like you, children have a place to feel safe again, parents are supported as they navigate uncertainty, and communities are beginning to take their first steps toward healing after the Venezuela earthquakes.
As the situation in Venezuela continues to evolve, World Renew remains committed to walking alongside those affected, responding with compassion and hope.
The response in Venezuela is one example of how World Renew partners with local organizations to support communities affected by disaster. Learn more about our International Disaster Response work and how we provide emergency assistance, support recovery, and help communities rebuild with hope.
