Honoring Bishop Zubik
Three Stories of Families in Need
At the 2026 Chimbote Foundation Golf Outing in June, we honored retired Pittsburgh Bishop Donald Zubik with a request for donations to support our Dignified Housing Program in recognition of the Bishop’s very faithful support of Chimbote for several years. Through this special collection, enough money was raised to build three of the simple, wooden homes that are now being built for the most vulnerable in Chimbote. These homes cost around $3500 and are part of our broader social services to provide basic, clean, and safe homes to families whose living conditions are extremely dire.
A Mother’s Strength
Tatiana Romero Nuñez
Five years ago, Tatiana separated from the father of her three children. Their relationship was marked by physical and verbal abuse. When the violence began to affect her children, Tatiana reported her ex-partner to the police, seeking a restraining order so she could start over.
The family’s circumstances were improving until 6:00 p.m. on April 9, 2026, when a bus lost control and crashed into three houses. Tatiana’s home was the most severely affected. Her entire family was home at the time.
Tatiana and 14-year-old Fabian were uninjured, but 7-year-old Alisson ended up against the bus’ windshield with a fractured arm. Worst of all, 17-year-old Jeremy ended up trapped beneath the wheels of the bus, suffering a compound leg fracture and severe head trauma.
All were taken to the nearest hospital, but due to the severity of his injuries, Jeremy was transferred to a hospital in Lima, where he underwent brain surgery and other procedures that kept him in the intensive care unit.
Throughout the time her children were recovering, Maternidad de María reached out to the family to provide the necessary support. Building them a new home, both to provide physical comfort and safety, as well as help erase the painful memories of that tragedy, was made possible by the housing donations collected at the Chimbote Foundation Golf Event.
We know that Jeremy’s recovery process will not be easy. But thanks to our mission and the help of our donors, we’ve made a difference for these families—not only by providing a roof over their heads, but also a sanctuary for healing.
A Life-Changing Minute
Gustavo Cuba and Dany Ruiz
Next door to Tatiana’s family, Gustavo Cuba and Dany Ruiz lived with their three children, Esteban (18), Gabriel (8) and Andrew (5).
Gustavo worked in construction from dawn ’til dusk to put food on the table. But everything changed overnight in 2025, when Gustavo suffered a sudden stroke that left him fighting for his life.
To support the family, Dany began selling ceviche, soft drinks, ice cream, and any other products that could generate income for the household. Her eldest son, Esteban—who had already finished high school— helped his mother by delivering ceviche and running errands so she could care for his father.
Things seemed to be looking up. But on April 9, the same bus crash reduced the Cuba Ruiz’s plywood and reed mat home to rubble. Fortunately, her family suffered no physical injuries. As Dany said, “Thank God, we are still alive.”
Upon learning of the accident, the Maternidad de María team went to the scene to provide material and medical support, and initiated the process to quickly build them a new home.
Thanks to your generous donations, the family has a safe place where Gustavo can recover his health and where Dany can continue her efforts to improve her family’s quality of life.
A Loving Couple Endures
María and Zenón
María and Zenón are a couple who have shared their love and companionship for over 30 years.
Through home visits, we learned of the couple’s struggle and how—despite the hardships—their love for God and for each other kept them going.
Many years ago, the couple migrated from the Ancash highlands to Chimbote in search of better job opportunities for their young family. They knocked on many doors, but all were closed to them, as they lacked formal education and had no family to help them get settled.
With five children to care for, life became increasingly difficult. Many of the children had to leave school and find work to help the family, as the priority was simply putting food on the table. They grew up in deep poverty, with few opportunities to get ahead.
For years, María and Zenón had to beg on the streets just to eat, as their increasing age and health issues made it impossible for them to find work.
Ten years ago, María and Zenón settled on a hillside with their son Leonardo— now 39—who promised to care for them and provide food whenever possible.
Despite Leonardo’s efforts, food remained scarce, and their home deteriorated with every rainfall. Just as they were losing hope, Maternidad de María came into their lives and built them a new home.