About Villa Sandino Communities
Church
The main church in Villa Sandino has about 1000 families; the town has about 6000 people. Villa Sandino consists of 13 communities with a total of 8000 people. 12 of the communities have churches and 1 meets for Mass in a home. Fr. Alexis typically goes to one or two parishes every Wednesday, and every Friday. He travels by truck, walking or horse.
Chapels in rural communities are simple. Most communities have a weekly 'Word' service with a Mass once a month.
Housing
Housing is mixed in Villa Sandino. Except for the very poor houses, most have electricity, running water and TV. There are at least 3 water stations for people that are not connected to the town's water system.
Housing in rural communities is mainly rough wood walls, dirt floors some with solar panels, but a good number with no electricity. No houses have indoor plumbing. Kitchens have wood burning stoves with poor ventilation, which is a serious health issue.
Health
Villa Sandino has a health center with 3 physicians. The clinic is able to keep people overnight, especially those with dengue or chikungunya. The closest hospital is 60 miles away. The major health issues are malnutrition in children, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, skin diseases, parasites, and obesity. Lack of willingness to breastfeed infants is a major health concern. They are short on medical supplies for blood pressure testing, asthma, beds and other things. There is not enough space to meet the demand. There is one dentist in town who is also short on equipment.
The main church in Villa Sandino has about 1000 families; the town has about 6000 people. Villa Sandino consists of 13 communities with a total of 8000 people. 12 of the communities have churches and 1 meets for Mass in a home. Fr. Alexis typically goes to one or two parishes every Wednesday, and every Friday. He travels by truck, walking or horse.
Chapels in rural communities are simple. Most communities have a weekly 'Word' service with a Mass once a month.
Housing
Housing is mixed in Villa Sandino. Except for the very poor houses, most have electricity, running water and TV. There are at least 3 water stations for people that are not connected to the town's water system.
Housing in rural communities is mainly rough wood walls, dirt floors some with solar panels, but a good number with no electricity. No houses have indoor plumbing. Kitchens have wood burning stoves with poor ventilation, which is a serious health issue.
Health
Villa Sandino has a health center with 3 physicians. The clinic is able to keep people overnight, especially those with dengue or chikungunya. The closest hospital is 60 miles away. The major health issues are malnutrition in children, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, skin diseases, parasites, and obesity. Lack of willingness to breastfeed infants is a major health concern. They are short on medical supplies for blood pressure testing, asthma, beds and other things. There is not enough space to meet the demand. There is one dentist in town who is also short on equipment.
