This project seeks to raise USD 30,000 to finance the construction and full equipping of a new semi‑industrial kitchen to support the only existing cancer shelter exclusively dedicated to men in Bogotá, located in close proximity to Colombia’s Instituto Nacional de Cancerología. This shelter plays a critical role in supporting men with cancer—many of whom must travel long distances from other regions of the country to access treatment and lack the financial resources to remain near the hospital.
The shelter is managed by a third‑party organization and is not owned by Fundación Ellen Riegner de Casas. However, our organization provides strategic support in infrastructure and essential equipment initiatives that promote safe, dignified, and humane oncology care, particularly for highly vulnerable populations facing significant social and economic barriers.
The kitchen is currently operating; however, its infrastructure no longer meets the health and safety standards required by the local Health Authority. Without timely investment, this essential service—and the shelter it supports—faces a significant risk of closure. Acting at this stage allows for a preventive intervention, avoiding service disruption while ensuring continued compliance with public health requirements and protecting patient well‑being.
To address this need, the project will fund the construction of a new, fully compliant semi‑industrial kitchen, including all necessary civil works and technical adaptations tailored to the physical conditions of the shelter. The new kitchen will be built entirely with high‑standard stainless‑steel materials, ensuring strict compliance with requirements for asepsis, food safety, durability, and quality in a healthcare context.
The project includes:
- Civil construction and remodeling works
- Adaptation of the gas system to ensure safety and reduce operational energy costs
- Installation of an industrial stove with ventilation hoods, extractors, and grease traps
- Stainless‑steel work surfaces, cupboards, and storage units
- Industrial sinks and dishwashing areas
- Freezers and refrigeration units for safe food storage
- New tableware, dishes, and cutlery for daily patient use
By supporting this project, donors will help protect a critical support service, prevent the closure of the only men’s cancer shelter in Bogotá, and ensure that patients undergoing treatment continue to have access to safe, hygienic, and dignified meals. This investment directly contributes to treatment adherence, patient well‑being, and health equity, through a concrete, responsible, and preventable infrastructure intervention.
