Cristosal is a human rights organization working in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to monitor forced displacement by violence; pilot models for humanitarian, psychosocial, and legal assistance to victims of human rights violations; pilot models for sustainable, community-based victim protection and assistance. Bishop Rickel currently serves on the board of this organization that is very active in addressing the humanitarian consequences of forced immigration that find its way to our nation’s border.
One of Cristosal’s key programs is their Victim Accompaniment Program which gives humanitarian, psychosocial, and legal assistance for victims of violence and forced immigration in these three countries. An important component of this program are safe houses for people fleeing gang and/or state violence and have run out of other options. Cristosal’s safe houses provide safe and secure shelter, food, and other support. A critical aspect of security is safe transportation, and Cristosal is currently in need of a used vehicle for the safe houses.
While Cristosal has received an initial $5,000 grant toward the vehicle, the organization will need to raise the remaining $10,000 by the end of May. Please consider making a special donation or offering this month to support this life-saving work in Central America. You may make your contributions directly to Cristosal or by donating on our diocesan website under Ongoing Initiatives, selecting “Other,” and marking it for “Cristosal-Vehicle” below.
