SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Venezuelans in San Diego are mobilizing humanitarian aid for victims of two powerful earthquakes that have killed hundreds in Venezuela.
Boxes and bags filled with donations reflect the outpouring of support for Venezuela’s earthquake survivors inside Encuentro Cafe in Old Town.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re Venezuelan, if you’re Colombian, if you’re American. What matters is that we come all together and actually help,” said Fabiola Passariello with the cultural nonprofit Casa de Venezuela San Diego.
She and fellow community members are turning Encuentro Cafe into a donation hub for earthquake relief, collecting clothing, water, non-perishable food, hygiene items, medical supplies, and diapers that will be shipped back home.
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“Right now, we are all devastated. From here we feel a bit powerless. Very sad about the situation happening in Venezuela,” said Libia Guevara.
For many here locally, Guevara, the heartbreak is personal, with loved ones enduring the quake’s devastating aftermath.
“My whole family is there. My mom, my siblings, my nephews and nieces. My whole family. Thank God we didn’t suffer any losses. My brother’s house is a total loss,” said Guevara.
The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes that struck the country’s northern coast west of the capital Caracas on Wednesday caused extensive damage and killed more than 1,000 people.
This aerial view shows collapsed buildings in Catia La Mar, La Guaira state, Venezuela, on June 27, 2026, following earthquakes that struck the region. (Photo by Federico PARRA / AFP via Getty Images)
The death toll continues to rise as more than 3,000 were injured and more than 50,000 are reported missing, but across the globe, people are answering the call to help.
“Especially here in San Diego, we received a lot of calls. It was a massive reaction,” said Passariello.
Their donations will travel through Los Angeles to Miami, where Global Empowerment Mission, or GEM, is helping deliver aid to those affected.
Even as international aid pours into Venezuela, the road to recovery will be long.
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“This help is the first step, but we still need help,” said Guevara.
Those involved here are calling on others to join them, no matter how big or small the gesture of compassion.
“Even with prayers. It doesn’t matter what religion you are, you know the fact that you put a minute of your time by sending energy, love, and support to our people it will be reflected,” said Passariello.
Donations will also be accepted at Encuentro Cafe on Sunday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The restaurant is located at 3941 Mason Street.
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