At Long Last, a Dignified Home for Two Elderly Brothers
Ermenegildo and Mauro are brothers who have lived in the city of Chimbote for over 50 years. Let’s learn a little more about their story—the “before and after” of a new home.
Before
Ermenegildo and Mauro were born in Pataz, a remote village in Peru. They spent their early years among farmlands and animals, helping their parents earn their daily bread. When Mauro was eight, his parents decided to seek a better life in Chimbote, where they spent their days in a constant struggle to get ahead.
As the years went by, the brothers went their separate ways and began living independent lives, yet life had other plans in store for them. As Ermenegildo aged, his personality became increasingly difficult. He would clash with anyone who failed to understand him and moved from one relative’s home to another because not everyone could handle his behavior. But Mauro was always there for him.
Nine years ago, the siblings managed to settle at the foot of San Pedro Hill, in the Lomas de San Pedro settlement. They spent their days amidst reed mats, plastic sheeting, and cardboard. No one could drive them away anymore, for they had a secure space—and though it lacked basic services, they possessed something far more important: mutual support, right up to the final days of their lives.
During
In Peru, there are various public agencies that support the most needy. One such institution is the Judiciary. They were contacted through the social worker at the Maternidad de María to present the case of two elderly individuals living in extreme poverty.
That is how we came to meet Ermenegildo and Mauro, learned their life story and the circumstances that forced them to live in a place lacking basic services, and realized that we needed to change their lives—we needed to provide them with a safe place to live.
Construction of the house began in early June, but we encountered a new challenge along the way. Ermenegildo and Mauro’s house was located in an area with limited access to transportation, so the brothers lacked the strength to move their materials.
Once again, God did not leave these siblings alone. The Maternidad de María, the Judiciary, and their neighbors were there for them—forming human chains to move materials and working under the hot sun, with the sole aim of providing them with better living conditions.
After
After a few weeks, the dream was realized: Ermenegildo and Mauro finally secured better housing—a home with two bedrooms and a space for the family to spend time together.
Thanks to the beds and mattresses project, these items could be donated to the brothers. With the support of our benefactors, Maternidad de María provided not only a dignified living space, but also the security of a dignified life.
This house is a reality today thanks to people like you. But there are still more families waiting for an opportunity. Your support can continue transforming lives and building hope.
Ermenegildo and Mauro with the Director, home visit nurses and other staff from the Center holding signs thanking the Maternidad de Maria and its founders as well as the donors in Pittsburgh for making their new home and life possible.