In 2014, a dream took root in the heart of Medellín, Colombia. Yanira Castro and Lorena Vasquez were the two women behind the vision that would go on to transform the lives of thousands. Their inspiration for founding the Sueños y Huellas Foundation can be captured in three words: love, faith, and inquilinatos.

What Are Inquilinatos?

Inquilinatos are overcrowded shared housing arrangements, often in deteriorating buildings that have been subdivided into small rental rooms. Found mostly in impoverished urban areas, these spaces are characterized by unsanitary conditions, unsafe environments, and systemic neglect. In many cases, they are exploited by criminal groups for drug trafficking, human exploitation, and even the sexual abuse of minors. Families who live in inquilinatos face daily threats to their health, safety, and dignity.

A Mission Born from Experience

Lorena Vasquez spent her childhood and part of her adolescence in the inquilinatos of Medellín. She experienced firsthand the hardships, risks, and vulnerabilities that come with life in such environments. Thanks to the support of her family, she was able to break free, pursue an education, and eventually become the director of a well-regarded local foundation.

It was in that role that she met Yanira Castro. Over time, the two developed a strong friendship, united by their shared commitment to social change. Motivated by their personal experiences and a desire to uplift the most neglected communities in their city, they decided to create their own foundation.

As if guided by destiny, the legal paperwork for the foundation was processed in record time. When they began considering what kind of social work to pursue, all signs pointed in the same direction: the families living in Medellín’s inquilinatos.

The Niñez En Familia Program

The foundation’s first major initiative was Niñez En Familia (“Childhood in Family”), a program designed to support children and their families living in the inquilinatos of central Medellín. The program currently serves 55 children between the ages of 5 and 13, providing them with nutritious meals, education, psychosocial support, and—most importantly—a safe and nurturing environment to grow up in.

The work doesn’t stop with the children. Their parents also receive training, tools, and resources to help them become protectors of their children’s rights and to improve their family’s overall quality of life.

Impact and Ambitions for the Future

Over the past 11 years, the Sueños y Huellas Foundation has supported the healthy development of more than 400 children, helping them escape cycles of poverty and violence. Despite this progress, the need remains great. According to ISVIMED, the city agency responsible for monitoring housing data, there are an estimated 3,000 people currently living in inquilinatos across Medellín.

The foundation’s goal is to expand its reach and bring hope to even more families trapped in these vulnerable living conditions. With love, faith, and unyielding dedication, the dream that began in 2014 continues to grow—one child, one family, one inquilinato at a time.