Father Joe’s Villages and Catholic Charities have started a relief program for our neighbors in need in the surrounding towns and Ejidos in the Valley of Mexicali, Mexico, that suffered tremendous damage during the recent earthquakes. We now call them the “forgotten ones" since their plight has almost disappeared from the news.

We started our relief efforts on Monday, April 19th. A truck delivered much needed supplies valued at $150,000: 5,000 blankets, 2,000 air mattresses, 250 toiletry kits, 5,000 showers without water kits, 25 electric fans to help cool tents from the intense heat of the desert area. Already $5,000 worth of food, such as rice, beans and meat has been provided. On May 10th, we delivered even more supplies especially personal hygiene products which were in greatest demand. During June and July we made purchases of baby formula, diapers and food packages that are still in high demand.

While the essentials are still needed, we have turned our attention to the reconstruction phase, which is now in progress. The Valley of Mexicali is an area of intense heat where the temperature could easily reach 115 degrees in the summer. Which is why the water supply is the first thing that we must address to insure the survival of our neighbors. Which is why on August 9th, Father Joe personally went into the affected areas to see the damage for himself. We have purchased 65 water tanks that hold 450 liters of water, which our neighbors can use to store purified water that is being delivered.

Father Joe's Villages plans to purchase needed items in Mexicali so that your donation will have the greatest impact. By purchasing items in Mexicali, we can buy more with less and start to build not only homes, but also the hopes of people that have lost nearly everything. We have a response network in five areas where supplies can be prepared and distributed to help our neighbors. The Caritas organization of the Diocese of Mexicali is our partner in putting together kits with supplies of food and toiletries that a family of five needs for a month of survival.

	Most Needed Items Are:
	Laundry Soap Baby Wipes Beans (Large Size) Sanitary Napkins Toothpaste Oatmeal Flour Soup	Rice (Large Size) Diapers Laundry Soap Cans of Tuna Pasta Sugar Salt Crackers