Community Lodgings Helps Chirilagua Thrive!

When COVID-19 struck, neighbors came together to help each other in Chirilagua—especially Juan*.  Juan has always involved himself in the community and in Community Lodgings by attending all of Community Lodgings' neighborhood meetings, and parent-teacher conferences, and he has worked hard to keep the neighborhood safe. So when COVID-19 hit Chirilagua harder than any other area of Alexandria, Juan stepped up once again. “My work hours have decreased, so I have had the opportunity to help out more, especially with food distribution.” Because a large number of Chirilagua residents have lost their jobs due to COVID-19, families struggle to put food on the table. Thanks to tremendous community response, Community Lodgings makes sure that  families receive regular meals, and Juan makes sure his neighbors get them. He explains: “I pick up the food boxes or breakfasts. I take them to my home. I like to keep a list of the people who will come to pick up the food. As they come, I cross off their names and contact staff once I finish with the food distribution.”

In past years, Community Lodgings' Community Garden has also benefited from Juan ’s care. “In the past I have helped with the garden at Fifer. I clean the garden and plant tomatoes, peppers, and radishes.” These are the vegetables every family in the neighborhood uses to create traditional Central American meals. Juan describes his wife’s cooking and why Community Lodgings' garden is so important to the community. “Tomatoes and jalapeños are the most popular. We can eat these with most meals. And we always cook traditional recipes.” 

As in previous years, Juan planted and harvested fresh, organic vegetables for his neighbors once again. Because the free vegetables that Community Lodgings’ Community Garden provides are the only fresh produce that many Chirilagua families can afford, Juan is dedicated to his job. When we ask Juan what he likes about gardening he says, “I like everything about it. I like to clean it, plant vegetables that the kids like, and water it.” The Community Garden also serves as a teaching resource for our Summer Camp kids. They study seeds and soil and get hands-on experience by planting, weeding and picking ripe produce.

When Juan came to the United States from El Salvador, he says, “I was a teenager, and I realized there were no opportunities in my country. I did not have a job. I had to come to the U.S. and learn how to work.” Yet, he says, “I miss my extended family. But I have my wife and children with me. I know they will have more opportunities here. That makes me feel better.” Community Lodgings helps by providing Chirilagua families with adult enrichment programs and out-of-school academic and mentoring programs for their children. “Community Lodging has positively impacted the community,” Juan comments. “They provide opportunities for our kids and for parents.” Chirilagua and Community Lodgings are fortunate to have Juan. He is truly a neighbor helping neighbors in a time of need.

*Name changed to protect privacy.