This project was developed between the Rotary Club of Francisco Beltrão, Brazil in D4640. International sponsors were  the Rotary Club of St. Louis, Missouri and also D6060 in Eastern Missouri.  This project grew out of a Group Study Exchange that occurred in the spring of 2001 between our two districts.

This project funded the construction of 10 low cost shelters, small homes, which are then deeded to women heads-of-households. 

Welcome to Vila São Luis

 
 This is the only home these children have ever known.

 
 There is a big need for improved living conditions.

 You can see that some have beds inside these homes

 
 Past District Governor Névio Urio welcomed the city mayor, Vilmar Cordasso, and city administration managers Sérgio Galvão and Paulino Pietrobom as the site is prepared for the 10 new homes being built.

 It is important that public transportation be close at hand for the future residents. 

 
 The ground was donated by the city government. The homes will be awarded to low income families, specifically to the mothers and will become their property.

y June 2003, a shed for storing the building materials and tools had been erected and the forms for the "footer" for the first foundation was ready for the concrete.   

 
Construction is well underway now in early August 2003.  Foundations for the last homes are nearly finished. Some of the first homes to be started are having shutters installed and interiors finished.

 This new village of homes will receive the name
Vila São Luis as thanks to the new friendship and assistance between Rotarians in Francisco Beltrão and in Missouri, USA

 These photo's are now from early September 2003.

 
 Touring the construction site are (L.toR.) Remy and Fernandes Martinelli (club President), President Elect Benedito Souza and Past District Governor and project coordinator Nevio Urio.

 
These small homes have two bedrooms, a small living room, kitchen and bathroom.
 There will be a tank on the outside of each home for washing clothes.

 
 The homes were completed in late September. Families were selected and moved into their new homes in October 2003.

 
 District 6060 was represented at the official dedication in January 2004 by Group Study Exchange Team Leader Sandy MacLean. In this photo, Sandy has just uncovered a big surprise.

 
 The Brazilian Rotary Club constructed a 2% scale model of the St. Louis Gateway Arch at the entrance to this new subdivision.

 
 PDG Nevio Urio (front,right) and many dignitaries from the local government and Rotary attended the dedication. There was also television and radio coverage of the event. 

  
 The children who live in Vila San Luis wave thanks to Missouri Rotarians

Rotarians of Francisco Beltrao and Rotary District 6060 have helped these families in a tremendous way. These children will grow up in much more healthy conditions. Our thanks to Rotary!

Postscript: PDG Nevio Urio kept working on Vila San Luis with Rotary friends around the world. The village now has more than 100 homes.