The people who form the Romero Community were displaced by civil war in El Salvador (which ended in 1992), a hurricane, and earthquakes (in 2001). Joining together to rebuild their lives, they chose to name their new community after their martyred archbishop. Oscar Romero had been murdered on March 24, 1980, for speaking out against military repression. After 10+ years of struggle, stalemate, and
intimidation, the Romero Community was finally granted title to their land last month--the week before Romero’s beatification! Now that their land is secure, it is time to build simple but sturdy and dignified homes. (These will replace shacks made from tin, plastic, and old bed springs.) The community has been accompanied in their efforts by an NGO in San Salvador called Centro de Intercambio y Solidaridad or CIS (in English, the Center for Exchange and Solidarity). CIS's director is former Daytonian and UD graduate Leslie Schuld. She will be visiting us in Dayton the last few days of July 2015! Leslie's Dayton-area friends want to help the Romero Community build their humble homes. This page will follow their progress, celebrate their successes, and invite your solidarity. You'll be encouraged to meet Leslie during events still taking shape, July 29-31. I am just learning about managing a page; please bear with me. If you would like to contact me directly about Leslie's visit or supporting the Romero Community, write me at [email protected].
