100 years ago Argentina was one of the weathiest countries in the world. During the 20th century, a series of economic and political crises culminated in full blown depression during 2001 and 2002. During the depression, many middle class families fell into poverty. ELI partners with organizations in Buenos Aires devoted to assisting homeless and impoverished families by giving them the tools they need to escape poverty.

Centers for At-Risk and Homeless Children

Volunteers at the centers for at-risk and homeless children will provide childcare, meals, educational activities, and a safe haven for children who would otherwise be on the streets begging, selling goods, or getting into trouble.

The centers have a wide variety of ongoing projects for children aged 2 through 18 including pre-school programs, after school tutoring, field trips, social programs, and English classes. The programs all have the goal of empowering the children and giving them the necessary skills to rise out of poverty. Volunteers will serve as role models and mentors to the children.

Soup Kitchens

According to some Argentine organizations, around 100 people in Argentina die every day due to malnourishment or hunger related disease. Thousands of people in Buenos Aires depend on soup kitchens as a daily source of food. The kitchens welcome volunteers to assist with preparing and serving meals as well as cleaning up and interacting with the people who come in for meals. Volunteers are also welcome to help with other projects such as clothing donation drives, youth programs, and distribution of food baskets and medical supplies.

Health Programs

Volunteers can assist with an HIV/AIDS mobilization campaign or visit children with serious or chronic health problems in hospitals around the city. Both projects will give volunteers insight into the health issues Argentina is facing as well as help those the volunteers come into contact with.

Home Construction

In Buenos Aires and other provinces of Argentina, there is a great need for improved housing for impoverished families. Many families are living in homes constructed with inadequate materials and by people who are not qualified to build homes. This means they are exposed to dangerous conditions on a daily basis (unstable structures, lack of clean water, no electricity, no heat, etc.). Plan Techos is an organization that builds homes for families that need them most. Current projects are located in the neighborhood of Gran Buenos Aires.