News
Haiti- Habitat for Humanity’s response so far.
Core Houses
Core house designs finalized using a hybrid moment-resistance/confined/reinforced masonry.
- Same designs being converted to two other structural systems proposals (reinforced masonry and true confined masonry).
- Land has been identified in Leogane and Cabaret for Core Homes. Finalizing details and legalities this week.
Habitat Resource Centers
- Cabaret: A new office was secured and will be operational 2nd April; the old office is being converted into accommodation; and a facility is being upgraded to serve fabrication and material production services; additions to the team include a transitional shelter coordinator, two crew leaders, and a core house coordinator.
- Leogane: currently based out of Hands On Disaster Response facility, HFH has established a working environment and is recruiting the core staff needed for an HRC facility.
- HFH participated in the development of an “outreach poster” to be used in vulnerable communities to raise awareness of rebuilding and mitigation techniques.
ATC-20 Damage Assessment Program
- As an initial action to field relations with SAVE, HFH will provide six structure engineers to conduct ATC-20 Damage Assessments alongside their holistic needs assessment in Leogane.
- Conversations continue with Lott Carey and the African American Baptist Mission Conventions for participation in Cabaret and Leogane.
Meetings and Follow-up - National Director Claude Jeudy met with former U.S. Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush during their visit to Port-au-Prince Mon., March 22. A report of HFH activities was presented to the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund in advance of the meeting.
Human Resources
- All national contracts for existing HFH Haiti staff now have a new package and new job description aligned with the evolving earthquake response and the support of ongoing HFH Haiti activities
Posted by Sarah Ryan on 30 Mar 10
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Zambia’s Womens Build Launch a Success!!
Several dignitaries attended the event, among them the Irish Ambassador to Zambia, Mr. Tony Cotter. He emphasized the importance given to the work of NGO’s by the Irish government and how they are pleased to be associated with the work of Habitat for Humanity Zambia. Ireland and Irish Aid has up to date committed a total of €540 667 for a three year project in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Ireland to Habitat for Humanity Zambia’s orphaned and vulnerable children programme.
“In Ireland, 20% of our total funding goes to the work of NGO’s. We are pleased to be associated with the work of Habitat for Humanity and wish them the best,” he said.
The day included testimonies from community members that have received assistance from Habitat for Humanity Zambia for shelter.
Dorcus Phiri, Beauty Shibulwani and Mama Teresa Kafula all told their stories of hardship without proper shelter and how a home can restore dignity.
Dorcus Phiri told how bedtime used to be a time of fear when she and her sisters and brother still lived in a makeshift tent after her father died and her mother disappeared one day. They would fear intrusion by strangers who would simply cut through the tent to get to the girls.
“Now we have a house, and you cannot cut through a house, we are safe,” Dorcus said.
The First Lady made a call to action for everyone to participate in any way they can.
“The good news is that change can be affected quite easily if we act on the injustices we see. There is always hope, even in the most desperate situations. We all have control over how we react to the situations that we have been placed in,” the First Lady said.
“I ask all of us to take seriously the Call for Action in partnering with HFH Zambia in alleviating poverty housing. Join a build or donate to build these orphans and vulnerable children decent homes.”
Habitat for Humanity, Ireland will be making two trips to Zambia this year. For more info phone our office on 01 62 99 611
Posted by Sarah Ryan on 12 Mar 10
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Extra trip announced to Zambia due to popular demand!
Habitat for Humanity Zambia has already built over 1,300 houses since inception in 1984. Habitat for Humanity Zambia also strengthens the capacity of communities and families affected by HIV/AIDS by mobilizing and empowering communities to respond to the needs of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) and providing secure, healthy housing for families caring for OVC, and their caregivers.
Posted by Sarah Ryan on 4 Mar 10
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American Chamber of Commerce Charity of The Year
The American Chamber of Commerce chooses one Charity to support annually, initially with a donation given by the chamber on behalf of each attendee at the Presidents Lunch in February and then through controlled communication with the members during the course of the year. In 2010 the chosen Charity is Habitat for Humanity. We look forward to working with them over the next year.
Posted by Sarah Ryan on 3 Mar 10
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