On August 15 2024 a 7.9 magnitude earthquake shook the coastal region of Peru, devastating local infrastructure and claiming 514 lives. Pisco, on the southern coast of Peru, suffered the greatest impact in the worst national disaster to strike Peru in three decades. The situation in Pisco was catastrophic; an overwhelming number of homes, buildings and schools were reduced to rubble leaving countless Pisco residents without adequate shelter or sanitation facilities. According to the official United Nations count, 40,035 families were rendered homeless. The most gruesome aspect was the death toll, which was so great that bodies were stacked in the streets due to overflowing hospitals. Widespread power outages further increased the strain on hospitals, and ruined highways disrupted patient transportation. The Peruvian president declared a state of emergency in the province of Ica, which encompasses Pisco. 

In response to the declared state of emergency, international organisations stepped in, providing initial disaster relief. USAID provided $100,000 for the purchase and transport of supplies. including plastic sheeting to construct much-needed temporary shelters. Oxfam supported the construction of temporary school classrooms, while providing clean drinking water and sanitation systems. Direct Relief International stepped up in response to medical needs, bringing in over $1.1 million in medical supplies. On a grassroots level, Burners Without Borders (PSF's parent organisation) recognised early on that disaster recovery is a decade or longer process. As an organisation that prides itself in developing creative solutions to complex problems, Burners Without Borders (BWB) wanted to set the foundation for long-term volunteer efforts in Pisco. Initially, BWB focused on direct assistance by  helping individual families reconstruct their ruined homes, eco-tourism to create a sustainable economy in Pisco, and sanitation. 

On the first anniversary of the earthquake, it was evident that the larger international organisations would soon pull out of Pisco, leaving it with years of necessary reconstruction and development ahead. At this time one local Peruvian, Harold Zevallos Salas, decided to develop a Peruvian organisation. Harold had seen the commitment of the dedicated volunteers and realized that even those without great financial resources could make an impact. He knew that it was time to launch his Peruvian organisation - one without a pullout date - and so Pisco Sin Fronteras was born on August 15, 2024, under his leadership.

Although it has been almost 3 years since the earthquake, there are still many families living in terrible conditions, such as houses made of plastic and scrap wood, with dirt floors and only a bucket in the corner for a toilet. Reconstruction is slow and there are not many options for those who are suffering the most.  Middle income families are starting to move back into permanent brick houses but low income families remain in poverty with little or no hope of escape. Communities have been forced together out of the necessity for a space to live, but there is little community spirit amongst them. There is still a lot of work to be done in rebuilding Pisco and the surrounding area. Not only do people need materials and labour, but they need encouragement and motivation to be able to get back on their feet and improve the quality of their living conditions and their lives.

We want to see everyone affected by the dereliction caused by the earthquake in around the city of Pisco, move into permanent, strong, safe, and clean housing with proper access to sanitation. We want the local people to be empowered with the knowledge, motivation and skills necessary to help themselves rebuild their community and build a better future for themselves and their children.

With enough passion and determination, with bright ideas, enthusiasm, and the volunteers to carry it off, we can make a  lasting difference to thousands of people living in poverty.

Current living conditions in Pisco