Don Chucho’s Story – A Window Into the Lives of Rural Seniors in Colombia
In the quiet mountain slopes of Cundinamarca, far from paved roads and city comforts, lives Don Jesús, known by all as Don Chucho. At 81 years old, he carries the weight of both his years and the daily challenges of life in a rural vereda, a subdivision of the municipality, similar to a small neighborhood, where many families live spread out across the hillsides.
Until recently, Don Chucho cooked every meal over two bricks balanced with scraps of metal, a makeshift stove that stood outside what he calls his kitchen. His “home” itself is made of simple pieces of wood, plastic sheets, and roof tiles, precarious materials that barely shield him from the weather. For water, he relies only on rain collected in barrels, which he uses for cooking, cleaning, and drinking.
For seniors in rural Colombia, stories like this are not rare. As modern life moves forward, older adults in isolated communities are often left behind, quietly enduring conditions that would be unthinkable elsewhere.
Community Effort, Small but Meaningful Steps
Change began with Cindy Colmenares, head of the municipal social services office in La Vega. Guided by her leadership, neighbors and local donors came together, offering time, hands, and materials.
Reaching Don Chucho’s home was not easy, the path is steep, and hauling supplies up the mountainside required determination. With persistence, a small, sturdier cooking area was built. It is simple, just enough to stand firm where flimsy wood and plastic once stood, but it offers Don Chucho a safer place to prepare meals. To close the gaps, he has stretched plastic sheets himself, a reminder that much remains unfinished.
What’s Still Missing
While this effort has brought dignity back to one corner of Don Chucho’s home, two essential needs remain unmet:
- A protected sleeping space – He still lacks a dry, secure area to rest at night.
- Reliable water access – His rain barrels help him get by, but they are not enough for long-term safety and health.
These gaps are not just construction details. They are the difference between surviving and living with dignity.
How You Can Be Part of the Story
What was achieved for Don Chucho took heart, hands, and persistence, but it is only the beginning. Rural elders like him still face steep hills, cold nights, and the constant question of how they will meet tomorrow’s needs.
Your support, whether through a donation, sharing this story, or simply telling others, can turn the unfinished walls of Don Chucho’s home into a true shelter.
Together, we can make sure that seniors in Colombia’s rural mountains are not forgotten. With every act of solidarity, we move closer to giving them what every elder deserves: safety, dignity, and the comfort of home.
