Casa Don Bosco, Caracas

As in may Latin American countries, in Venezuela the Salesian fathers were the vanguard of services for street kids. In 1972, having seen a disturbing rise in the number of children on the streets of Caracas, the Order began to build houses for homeless children. In 1996, after many years of work, the Salesians founded Casa Dom Bosco in downtown Caracas. It began as a drop-in center, but when the kids asked for more services, it opened an overnight shelter as well.

The Casa continues to work as a drop-in center, attending any child that shows up. As such, it offers showers, a place to wash clothes, food, and social services. Children who show a real interest are invited to participate in the emergency shelter program, where they can sleep indoors. Invitation to the shelter is a challenge and a privilege: a boy must show up at the center every day for a month in order to prove his commitment. These children also receive remedial education, family counseling, legal assistance, and help with identification.

After matriculating in school, a child may join the residential program. Those who pass an exam may attend the Salesian high school, one of the best in Caracas, for free. Today, some 25 teenagers participate in the residential program; though there was space for more clients, a flood in 2001 destroyed several dormitories.

The work of the Casa drew the attention of the government, which offered financial help. Unfortunately, this money has been a mixed blessing, because it often arrives as much as 18 months late, causing major financial problems for the Casa.

Issues of drugs constantly change in Caracas. In 2002, crack and other cocaine derivatives are the major problems on the street. The Casa works with Hogar Vida Nueva, an outpatient detox, to address addiction problems of its clients.

Casa Don Bosco, Caracas
Fernando Santana, Director

Corredor Vial entre Av. Andrés Bello y Av. Libertado, al lado de Frenos el Ávila
Caracas
Venezuela

tel: 212 576 8596

fasantana@cantv.net