Our Next Visit- Campamientos

The population of Tocopilla is about 25,000. Currently 2,500 families are living in government-provided 'homes' because their real homes were destroyed in the earthquake. In reality they are sheds about the size of a bedroom. Most of these 'homes' are grouped together in various locations in the city and on the outskirts as well. They are called 'campamientos', and each have a name, the same way a neighborhood would have a name. There is no plumbing. There are outhouses and community water. Electricity is available and I believe that all have installed lights. Gas is also available for stoves and ovens. Some families have added on, giving them a bit more space. Some have even painted the inside, fewer have painted the outside. Most of the windows have curtains. A few of the 'homes' have tarp over the front of the house with chairs and a bb-q grill under, like it's their front porch. Children can be seen playing soccer in the dirt between the 'homes'.
A view from the road of a large campamiento at the south end of Tocopilla.A little closer view. Me & my girls, Sister Victoria Diaz, Brother Diaz, the compassionate service leader, my baby & another sister in the ward in front of one of the campamientos.
Some boys that were playing soccer in the dirt by their 'homes'. They were so excited to have their pictures taken for Americans, and they all told me that they were the best at soccer.

Community water. It is brought in by truck.
An example of how the 'neighborhoods' are set up.