American British International Association of La Paz

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Comedor Popular San Calixto

In 1982, Bolivia experienced one of the worst droughts in the country's history. The drought caused the migration of peoples from the rural regions of North Potosi, South Cochabamba and the Altiplano to the cities. Mainly, people came to cities to beg for food. Brother Joaquin Salvado, from the Jesuit congregation, saw the need to feed displaced children. His vision was to feed 100 children per day through a soup kitchen. Due to the severity of the drought, the need increased, reaching 3,500 people per day.

Janet Tullis Salamanca, an ABIA member, spearheaded our organization's involvement with the purchase of dry goods to assist Brother Salvado's efforts. Once the disaster subsided, Janet raised funds to buy a permanent residence for the soup kitchen. ABIA has been involved with the effort ever since continuing to fund on a quarterly basis the purchase of dry goods and provide support for occasional special events.

ABIA funds also helped to improve the soup kitchen facility. Improvements included: repair to the first floor hallway, fresh coats of paint, repair of the bathrooms, purchase of kitchen supplies, and the installation of an oven. ABIA also helped to install a water and electrical system in the house.

Homeless who come to the soup kitchen for food can now take a bath or shower, have their hair cut, and spend the night. Poor neighbors who come to the soup kitchen can pay a small fee for a meal.