The region of Antofagasta is the most expensive area in Chile because of the mining industry. The prices of accommodation, food and basic services are at the highest levels in the country. Out of the 620’000 habitants of Antofagasta, 20.7% live below the line of poverty, which is above the national average. Even worse than being poor, there are approximately 1’000 homeless people and almost 4’100 families living in camps in Antofagasta. In Chile, the social gap is so wide that people won´t even look in the eyes of someone who doesn’t come from the same neighbourhood.
Fundación Trascender is a Chilean organisation that strives to fight against poverty and social inequalities. In Antofagasta, FundaciónTrascender is engaging professionals to volunteer in social organisations, hence creating social interactions for those who often have been missing it for too long.
By working with many social organisations and by organising appropriate trainings and workshops, Fundación Trascender gives those people the dignity they deserve. The idea is to provide them with the tools to improve their own lives and to start caring about themselves and their families. They also encourage them to abandon drugs and the streets to find a job and, hopefully, a new meaning for their lives. In the Hogar de Cristo center, the homeless can find a bed, a shower and two meals a day. Furthermore, they can enjoy the company of other people and participate in the many educational workshops. Fundación Trascender helps Hogarde Cristo to work in a better way through their volunteers network.
