Casa Damasco was started in 2003 to provide housing for street people and those that the police and hospitals literally “dump” on this organization. The house was provided by DIF, which is a Mexican Government social services agency, and is operated by volunteers of unknown origin, but are apparently former “house” residents. Average occupancy is about 25 people. The Vineyard, which got involved with Casa Damasco in 2003, delivers two hot meals to the residents weekly, and provides medical&dental support and assistance in maintaining the facility. You can learn more about more about this ministry and how Casa Damasco got started by clicking on the following link: CASA DAMASCO.DOC.
In February, 2008, it appeared as though the 25 to 30 residents would be evicted; but our prayers have been answered. Casa Damasco is now in what might be considered a “Holding Pattern”. They can stay in their current house but the rent has increased. The landlady would like to get them out but has been trying to do this for nine years so apparently their current position is relatively stable.
There have been some successful fund raisers for Casa Damasco, that Vineyard is administering, so their status for this year looks good. In fact, we are now accessing their situation to determine just exactly what their needs are so that we can determine how best to help them without causing an unhealthy dependency. Sergio, the Spanish Church pastor, has become quite involved for the first time, thereby hopefully enabling us to provide the proper type of aid without making the mistakes that we well-meaning Gringos usually make. The people of Casa Damasco continue to be incredibly needy and we very strongly desire to support them in the very best way with the resources that God and generous people have directed our way. Thank you for your prayers; and please continue to pray for the Casa Damasco residents and the Vineyard as we assess their situation.
The Casa Damasco facility and some of its residents are shown below.
