Virginia LULAC Mourns the Tragedy and calls for Aide in Venezuela
- Virginia LULAC
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Virginia LULAC mourns the devastating tragedy that has struck the people of Venezuela following this week's catastrophic earthquakes.
As rescue efforts continue, reports indicate that hundreds of people have lost their lives and thousands more have been injured, with the death toll expected to rise as emergency crews continue searching for survivors. Our hearts, prayers, and deepest condolences are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this unimaginable disaster.
This tragedy comes at an especially difficult moment for the Venezuelan people. The nation has endured years of economic hardship, political instability, and humanitarian challenges that have strained public institutions and emergency response capabilities. More recently, the United States' capture of former President Nicolás Maduro and the establishment of an interim government have placed the country in the midst of significant political upheaval. As Venezuela navigates this period of uncertainty, it is now confronted with one of the deadliest natural disasters in its modern history.
Virginia LULAC calls upon our members, partners, and the broader community to stand in solidarity and provide where we can with the people of Venezuela. We encourage everyone who is able to contribute to reputable humanitarian organizations providing emergency relief, medical assistance, food, shelter, and long-term recovery support for those affected by this tragedy.
According to AP News, Organizations currently responding to the crisis include:
Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), working alongside the We Love Foundation to deliver emergency supplies from its distribution hub in Caracas. https://www.globalempowermentmission.org/mission/venezuela-earthquakes/
CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), partnering with The Wayuu Taya Foundation to provide food, clean drinking water, hygiene kits, and emergency assistance. https://www.coreresponse.org/venezuela-earthquakes/
Direct Relief, supporting medical response efforts by deploying search-and-rescue personnel and providing critical medical supplies to healthcare partners. https://donate.directrelief.org/give/647931?designation=1905354#!/donation/checkout
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Venezuelan Red Cross, coordinating emergency medical care, rescue operations, family reunification services, and relief distribution. https://www.ifrc.org/happening-now/emergency-appeals/ifrc-disaster-response-emergency-fund
Airlink, providing emergency transportation and logistics for humanitarian organizations delivering personnel and relief supplies. https://donorbox.org/2026-venezuela-earthquakes-airlink
World Central Kitchen, mobilizing to provide freshly prepared meals to displaced families, first responders, and emergency workers. https://donate.wck.org/campaign/815521/donate?src=site-blog-rlf183&_gl=1*10ak5n8*_gcl_au*NzkyMzE0MjQxLjE3ODI0MTk5NzU.*_ga*MTEyOTM5NTQwNS4xNzgyNDE5OTc2*_ga_5WKVY8503C*czE3ODI0MTk5NzUkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODI0MTk5NzUkajYwJGwwJGgw
Catholic Relief Services, working through Caritas Venezuela to provide emergency shelter, food, clean water, and medical assistance. https://www.crs.org/donate/venezuela-earthquake?ms=agicrs1726veq00gen00&utm_source=media&utm_medium=earned-media&utm_campaign=2026-venezuela-earthquakes
Global Impact's Venezuela Earthquakes Response Fund, supporting multiple vetted humanitarian organizations responding throughout the affected region. https://charity.org/emergencies/venezuela-earthquakes-response-fund/
Virginia LULAC also calls upon the President of the United States and Congress to restore and strengthen America's humanitarian assistance infrastructure, including reestablishing a robust and independent U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). For decades, USAID served as a global leader in providing lifesaving disaster relief, emergency medical assistance, food security, and humanitarian support to communities facing war, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises around the world.
We believe the United States should continue investing in a strong humanitarian response system capable of responding rapidly and effectively wherever tragedy strikes. Whether through the restoration of USAID as an independent agency or the creation of an equally robust humanitarian institution, America must once again lead the world in delivering timely, compassionate, and effective disaster assistance.
We urge our nation's leaders to recommit to America's longstanding tradition of providing humanitarian aid to our neighbors and communities in need across the globe, recognizing that humanitarian leadership reflects the very best of American values and strengthens our role as a force for good in the international community.
In times of immense suffering, compassion knows no borders. Together, we can help bring hope to those facing extraordinary loss and reaffirm our shared commitment to human dignity, regardless of nationality or circumstance.
Our thoughts remain with the people of Venezuela. We pray for the safety of the rescue workers, the healing of the injured, comfort for those mourning loved ones, and strength for every family affected. May the people of Venezuela find hope, resilience, and solidarity as they begin the long journey toward recovery.
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About Virginia LULAC
Virginia LULAC is the state chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation’s oldest and largest Latino civil rights advocacy organization. Our mission is to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, housing, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans in the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.
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