In the wake of the powerful dual earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, Scientology Volunteer Ministers remain actively involved with families and emergency teams as the nation transitions from rescue operations to the prolonged task of recovery.
The earthquakes hit north-central Venezuela swiftly, inflicting significant damage in Caracas, La Guaira, and surrounding coastal areas. Initially an urgent search-and-rescue mission, the response has now evolved into a prolonged humanitarian effort addressing shelter, water, hygiene, transportation, emotional support, and organized distribution of essential supplies.
In La Guaira, many families continue dealing with collapsed homes, impaired infrastructure, and disrupted services. Reports from Maiquetía highlight the urgent need for clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for displaced residents. Families are living in streets, parks, and temporary shelters while damaged buildings are inspected and rescue operations persist.
In this context, Scientology Volunteer Ministers provide critical assistance where most needed. Their efforts include organizing donations, delivering supplies to communities, assisting families in temporary accommodations, aiding specialized personnel in accessing priority areas, and coordinating with local volunteers, rescue teams, medical workers, and community contacts.
Public reports emphasize the ongoing role of the Volunteer Ministers in relief work. Venezuelan actress and humanitarian Ruddy Rodríguez returned to the country with volunteers to assist earthquake victims, highlighting a long-term commitment beyond a brief visit.
Rodríguez emphasized, “This is the beginning; it is not to be here for a little while and leave.” The report noted nearly 400 volunteers working in Caracas and La Guaira, collaborating with Mexico’s Topos rescue teams, alongside volunteers from Colombia, Costa Rica, Brazil, the US, Israel, Spain, and Mexico.
Rodríguez also mentioned that the volunteers are trained for challenging conditions, such as debris removal, goods distribution, and organizing collection centers. She referenced previous Volunteer Minister responses in disasters like Hurricane Katrina, Haiti, Chile, Japan, and the 1999 Vargas tragedy in Venezuela.
Another report situated part of the relief work in Macuto, La Guaira, where Rodríguez partnered with the Scientology Volunteer Ministers of Venezuela. The report detailed assistance in moving essential supplies, distributing aid, supporting transport logistics for specialized teams, and collaboration with rescue and medical groups.
For families who have lost homes or normalcy, this support is crucial. In disaster zones, effective help relies on organizing and distributing supplies. Volunteer Ministers focus on sorting donations, aiding transport, coordinating with field teams, and supporting those facing grief and displacement.
The broader humanitarian response is progressing. The United Nations announced a $296 million plan targeting 1.3 million people over six months, reflecting widespread needs in shelter, health, water, sanitation, and protection. As international rescue teams depart, local communities and civil society groups are pivotal to ongoing recovery, often cycling volunteers to retain knowledge and bolster relief efforts.
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers program, initiated by L. Ron Hubbard, aims to provide effective, compassionate aid to individuals facing hardship, chaos, or disaster. Volunteer Ministers are trained to deliver practical and spiritual support alongside local communities, public agencies, and other humanitarian actors. They have consistently assisted after earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, and other emergencies, working with diverse populations.
In Venezuela, this dedication manifests in continuous on-ground service. Volunteers assist families, support emergency personnel, and aid in organizing materials as the nation enters recovery. Their efforts are part of a larger response involving Venezuelan civil society, rescue organizations, medical professionals, public officials, private contributors, faith groups, and international agencies.
Ivan Arjona, the Church of Scientology’s representative to the European Union, OSCE, Council of Europe, and United Nations, stated that the Venezuela response underscores the importance of solidarity after the initial emergency focus wanes.
“When the rescue phase passes, families still need water, shelter, hygiene, transport, information, and human support,” Arjona said. “The work of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers in Venezuela exemplifies practical solidarity. It mirrors a widely shared principle: human dignity is upheld not only with declarations but through organized help as people rebuild their lives.”
Arjona added that the international nature of the response demonstrates the value of collaboration in crises.
“No single institution can bear the full weight of a disaster of this magnitude,” he stated. “Authorities, rescue teams, humanitarian groups, faith communities, private donors, and trained volunteers all play a part. What matters is that affected families receive timely, respectful, and effective aid.”
As Venezuela continues its recovery from the earthquakes, significant needs persist. Safe water, sanitation, temporary shelter, medical care, protection for displaced families, and emotional support are primary concerns for humanitarian responders. For the Volunteer Ministers, maintaining their presence during this phase is part of the ongoing commitment that initially brought them to the affected areas: to help restore order, dignity, and hope where disaster has struck.
The Church of Scientology, with its missions, groups, and members across Europe, continues to gain recognition as charitable and legitimate religious communities
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