News
Katrina 5 Years On
Five years after one of the most destructive disasters in the United States’ history, Habitat for Humanity marks the completion of 2,219 homes built in the region recovering from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Additionally, 994 homes were repaired through Habitat’s partnerships, and Habitat volunteers helped clean up and removed debris from more than 2,500 houses in preparation for rehabilitation.
“In the aftermath of any disaster, real and lasting recovery begins when families feel safe and secure once again,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “Our goal is to get them back into a home they can afford. Whether in the aftermath of a hurricane, tsunami or earthquake, the need for shelter is essential for long-term recovery.”
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita made landfall in August and September 2005 and damaged houses along hundreds of square miles of the coast, displacing more than half a million families. Habitat for Humanity responded by working through 21 Gulf Coast Habitat affiliates to build, rehabilitate and repair houses, and organize volunteers for debris removal.
Habitat also worked in partnership with other organizations to help low-income families in the Gulf Coast region. Habitat established partnerships with Rebuilding Together and Church World Service that helped fund the repair of a combined 994 homes. In 2007, Habitat and Church World Service were honored with the Award for Excellence in Long-Term Recovery Partnership by the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. Habitat also worked with The Salvation Army to increase building capacity and make homes along the Gulf Coast more affordable.
“Habitat has already served thousands of families along the Gulf Coast, but our work continues,” said Reckford. “Habitat affiliates, donors, churches, civic groups and other supporters continue building decent housing to help create better communities in the region.”
For additional information about Habitat for Humanity’s Gulf Coast work, please read the five-year report at: http://www.habitat.org/disaster/gulfrecovery2010.
Posted by Karen Kennedy on 18 Aug 10
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Communications Internship
Habitat for Humanity Ireland seeks a Communications Intern. The internship is for 20 hours a week (flexible) and for a period of 3-6 months. This is a non-paid volunteer opportunity but travel expenses will be covered.
The successful candidate should have:
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Be self-motivated, energetic and detail oriented
• Have an ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team
• A professional phone manner
• A good working knowledge of MS Office including word, excel and publisher
• Excellent knowledge of using social networking tools
• An interest in poverty and inequality issues.
Tasks will include but not limited to:
• Monitoring the Irish media daily
• Updating the organisation’s website regularly
• Updating Habitat for Humanity Ireland social networking sites including Facebook and Twitter
• Producing monthly newsletter
• Develop volunteer case studies
• Contribute to developing the organisation’s fundraising material
• Assist at events
Interested candidates should email a CV and letter of application outlining their suitability for the position to:
CLOSING DATE: 4th SEPTEMBER 2010
Posted by Karen Kennedy on 16 Aug 10
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Minister Power’s Response
In June our Executive Director wrote to the Minister of State with special responsibility for Overseas Development, Peter Power, explaining how HFH is contributing to achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
Click below to read his very positive response!
PeterPowerResponse1.jpg_.pdf
PeterPowerResponse2.pdf
You can read our letter here:
http://www.habitatireland.ie/news/working_towards_the_millennium_development_goals/
Posted by Karen Kennedy on 13 Aug 10
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Tomorrow is TD TUESDAY
Take a minute to write a short message to your TD asking them to ensure the government spends 0.7% of national income by 2015 on overseas aid: http://www.actnow2015.ie
We are proud to support the Act Now on 2015 campaign.
Read our Executive Director’s letter to the Minister of State with special responsibility for Overseas Development, Peter Power, explaining how HFH is contributing to achieving the Millenium Development Goals.
http://www.habitatireland.ie/news/working_towards_the_millennium_development_goals/
Posted by Karen Kennedy on 9 Aug 10
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