Yancana Huasy was established in 1981 upon the discovery of a previously unknown population of physically and mentally challenged children living within the boundaries of Lord of Hope Parish, a Holy Cross community that serves over 260,000 people. Given the impoverished conditions of the area, this was not entirely surprising. However, what was surprising was that these children rarely left the immediate vicinity of their homes and were often shunned by their neighbors and society at large. Yancana Huasy was founded to bring these children out of the shadows and to give them the love and dignity they deserve as children of God.

Taking its name from Quechua, the indigenous language of Peru, and meaning ‘House of Work’, Yancana Huasy offers a comprehensive program that includes medical services, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as basic living skills and vocational training. The Center also promotes the rights and dignity of those with challenges and advocates for their full inclusion into all aspects of society. Today the Center provides services to more than 7,000 children each year.

Yancana Huasy is housed in a three-story, square shaped structure with exposed outer corridors overlooking a central, open-air courtyard. The courtyard is the main gathering space at the Center and is used for daily programming, meetings, celebrations, prayer services, and a host of other activities. However, because there was no covering over the central portion of the building, the courtyard and outer corridors were completely exposed to the elements. In Lima’s climate, this means the intense heat of a tropical sun in summer, the wind-blown sand from the surrounding desert throughout the year, and the wet and heavy dampness that is felt each winter.

Through the generosity of benefactors, the Holy Cross Mission Center provided funding to construct a roof to enclose the central courtyard and corridors, shielding the children and staff from the harsh elements. The covering has also greatly enhanced the mission of the Center by allowing it to make full use of the courtyard and corridors for programming throughout the day and not just when there is no direct sun overhead or when the weather cooperates. A tremendous impact in improving the capabilities of Yancana Huasy in fulfilling its mission to serve and bring hope to as many children and families as possible!

See pictures from the blessing of the new roof below.

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Published: September 27, 2024