Organizations receiving aid in the regions of Maule and Bio Bio.

As we began our campaign: "Our construction isn’t only in times of emergency. Earthquake in Chile: Women Donating to Women," Fondo Alquimia searched out organizations based in catastrophe zones that had the capabilities of directly channeling resources. The Centro Social Quidell in Talca and La Casa de los Colores and the Lesbian Community "La Teta Insurgente" in Concepcion have been Fondo Alquimia’s partners in this important job; they have collected information about the most urgent needs and have undertaken various actions to help their communities. After the quake, the women of Quidell found that their headquarters was completely destroyed and that they had lost their equipment and a large part of the documentation of their work. Overcoming initial shock, Quidell has become a channel of support for members in Talca and in allied organizations throughout the region. The work they must complete is very clear. For example, the redlight district was completely devastated by this catastrophe. Their primary concern is to obtain housing for the women and transgender community who are still on the streets, without shelter or any psychological attention. They are paying close attention to how government resources are being distributed, and serve as an alarm to any potential misderection of aid.

In Concepción women are also hard at work. The Lesbian Community "La Teta Insurgente" has focused on the distribution of aid to Feminists of Bio-Bio, La Casa de los Colores, Centro Cultural de la Fábrica, Anda Chile, Transvestites of Bulnes, and what has remained of Edificio Alto Rio. The headquarters of "La Teta Insurgente" survived the earthquake and has functioned as a shelter providing not only basic needs but also serving as a meeting point to establish communication with family members and friends. Currently, they are especially preoccupied with Coliumo Bay (affected by the tsunami), where they have gone to help the community there. Still, there is much to be done to prepare for this winter. La Casa de los Colores in Concepcion has dedicated itself to working against adversity. Conscious that "the effects of the earthquake have been a catalyst in our lives," they organized an assembly on March 20th. More than 40 women from various organizations participated in this meeting, whose principal mission was to find tangible solutions for members: how to reactivate social networks and catalyze job searches for the majority of women who lost employment most-quake, organizing and directing emergency aid and forming working groups for rebuilding. These organizations need to continue channeling aid towards their communities. This is why Fondo Alquimia attempts to extend our campaign beyond our own affiliates. We are searching for more women to join our donors network and make a permanent commitment to helping women rebuild.

Donations can be directed to the account (cuenta corriente) 46559-3 Banco Santander under the name Fundación Colectivo Alquimia, rut 65.097.780-7. Confirm donations writing to alquimia@fondoalquimia.org or calling either 02-6657106 or 02-6657604.