The document summarizes a Rotary project that provided food assistance and COVID-19 supplies to refugees and migrants in Colombia. It distributed 31 tons of locally purchased food and 647,136 meals to 11 food distribution centers and 7 communities in Cúcuta and 6 shelters and 3 centers in Pamplona over 41 weeks. 50,090 meals and 11,059 kg of food were distributed total. The project also provided bags of food and hygiene supplies as well as PPE, masks, cleaning and disinfectant supplies to help prevent COVID-19 spread. The project helped address food insecurity and promoted local economies and peace in the region experiencing the largest migrant exodus in Latin American history from Venezuela.

1. PHASE 3
COVID-19 RESPONSE EFFORTS

2. Responding to the Food Insecurity
Affecting Refugees & Migrants During COVID-19
in Cúcuta & Pamplona in Colombia
by
Cristal Montañéz Baylor
Project International Coordinator & Manager
Rotary e-Club of Houston

3. Why are Venezuelans
abandoning their country?

4. NO Rule of Law
Violence &
Political Instability Prevails
NO Respect for Human Rights
NO Justice NO Freedom

5. Venezuela is a
Failed State
44.3 Percent
Unemployment Rate
Crime is Rampant
Minimum Monthly Salary
Less than $1.00
2,436 % Annual
Inflation Rate

6. NO Food
NO Water
NO Electricity
NO Gasoline

7. NO Medicines nor
Medical Supplies NO Health System
Hospitals are
Collapsed
The Venezuelan crisis could
cause public health emergency
in South America

9. More than 5.4 Million
Venezuelans refugees & migrants
have abandoned Venezuela
Colombia has received more than
1.8 Million Venezuelans

10. The largest exodus in the
history of Latin America

12.  An average person walks at a speed of
5 km / hour
 One hour by vehicle equals10 hours
walking
 The walking time is relative and depends
on the weight the “caminantes” walkers
carry, their physical condition and
resistance, the weather, food and shelter
availability, type of shoe, whether or not
they walk with children, and senior
citizens, etc. Pamplona

17. Our Houston - Cúcuta Rotary Team

18. BENEFICIARIES
DURATION
BENEFICIARY
ORGANIZATIONS
 31 Tons Complementary Foods Purchased Locally
 46 Tons with 647,136 Rise Against Hunger meals distributed
 Approximately 435,270 refugees received at least one hot meal per day
 11 Food Distribution Centers & 7 Communities in Cúcuta
 6 Shelters & 3 Food Distribution Centers from Los Patios Pamplona
 41 Weeks (Phase 1 Jan 2019 - May 2019 & Phase 2 July 2019 - Jan 2020)
DONATION

19. Rotary e-Club District 5890
Coordinating Organization
Rotary Club Cúcuta 1
District 4271
Facilitating Organization
Logistic Partner in
Pamplona
Food Bank Foundation
Beneficiary & Partner
Organizations
International Coordinator &
Food DistributionCenters
/Shelters Coordinators &
Volunteers

20. Project Objective 1
To distribute locally produced commodities to
the selected food distribution centers
food/shelters cooking and providing meals to
respond to the food insecurity affecting
Venezuelan refugees, migrants, walkers
'caminantes,' and Colombian returnees on the
Cúcuta-Pamplona route.
Fleeing food scarcity & violence in
Venezuela
Returning to Venezuela due to the COVID-
19 crisis

21. Results Objective 1
Food Distribution Centers/Shelters in Cúcuta & Pamplona

22. Objective
1
Procurement
and
Distribution
of
Food
Commodities

27. Project Objective 2
To distribute bags with food and personal hygiene
supplies to one (1) selected center in Cúcuta and
three (3) in Pamplona serving local and vulnerable
families affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

28. Results Objective 2
Food Distribution Centers/Shelters in Cúcuta & Pamplona

29. Objective 2
Procurement and Distribution of Bags with Food and Personal
Hygiene Products to Local Vulnerable Families

36. Project Objective 3
To distribute PPE, face masks, cleaning, and
disinfectant supplies to help prevent the propagation
of COVID-19.

37. Objective 3
Procurement and Distribution of PPE, Face Masks, Cleaning, and Disinfectant
Supplies to Help Prevent the propagation of COVID-19.

43. RHC-9 JUCUM /Yukpa Indigenous Community

46. RHC-1 Fundación Nueva Ilusión

47. RHP-1 Albergue Fundar 1

49. RHP-10 Punto de Hidratación Hermanos Caminantes Venezolanos y Colombianos

51. RHP-3 Albergue Hogar de Paso Marta Duque

54. RHP-3 Albergue Douglas

57. RHP-5 Albergue Vanessa

59. RHP-6 Centro de Apoyo Mery

62. Results Objective 1 + Objective 2
Food Distribution Centers/Shelters in Cúcuta & Pamplona
In summary, a total of 50,090 meals were distributed among these centers/shelters from
Los Patios to El Alto in Pamplona, and the two indigenous Yukpa tribes in Cúcuta, and
11,059 kg of locally produced complementary food commodities procured and distributed
(chicken, eggs, oil, bread, table chocolate, milk oats, vegetables, herbs, condiments, rice,
lentils, etc.,).

64. Responded to the food insecurity affecting the migrant population on the
Cúcuta-Pamplona route since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic
Supported the food distribution centers/shelters during this critical time
Promoted the local economy
Helped alleviate hunger and promote peace
Project Results & Impact

67. Phase 4 Preview

68. Our coordinated efforts help strengthen partnerships, formulate and unify
strategies, and raise awareness about the need for a more comprehensive
and sustainable response to the Venezuelan crisis: the largest exodus in
the history of Latin America, which affects many countries and millions of
people.
Our project helps alleviate hunger, promotes peace
and conflict prevention/resolution and disease
prevention through mutual respect, understanding,
and cooperation - one individual, one community at a
time.

69. Thank You!

70. Contact Person:
Cristal Montañéz Baylor
Rotary e-Club de Houston International Service Committee
Hope For Venezuelan Refugees Project International Coordinador
cristalmontanezvenezuela@gmail.com
+1 (713) 483 4990