INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Indian River Habitat for Humanity (IRHFH) joins Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) in appealing for funds to assist thousands of families affected by Typhoon Haiyan, known as Yolanda in the Philippines.
The storm, said to be the worst in history as far as wind speed, struck the country late last week and caused unimaginable damage.
As of Nov. 18, Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP) reported that 3,976 people have been killed and more than 10 million people affected; 288,922 houses have been destroyed, and 282,884 houses partially damaged.
HFHP has started distributing emergency shelter repair kits to support affected families, addressing their immediate shelter needs. These first kits were distributed on Bantayan Island, located to the west of Cebu Island, one of the areas most affected by Typhoon Haiyan.
In total, HFHP has targeted to distribute 30,000 shelter repair kits and 50,000 clean up kits for 400,000 people. The scale of assistance, however, will depend on the amount of funds we are able to raise. To date, HFHP has distributed approximately 4,000 clean up kits.
At today’s currency exchange rates, each cleaning kit runs $45.73; each shelter repair kit runs $342.96; and each core home runs $2,743.40.
Habitat has launched an appeal and is liaising with the Philippines government and other humanitarian organizations to coordinate activities. After initial operations, Habitat for Humanity will look to develop longer term reconstruction plans.
IRHFH has set a goal of raising $40,000 to assist in recovery efforts for the Philippines. Anyone wishing to donate for this disaster response, and working through an organization with integrity and experience, please contact Indian River Habitat Development Manager Peggy Gibbs at (772) 562-9860 ext. 209 or visit our website at www.IRCHabitat.org and click on “donate now.”
A full 100 percent of every dollar donated for Philippines relief will be used for that purpose.
Habitat is by no means a newcomer to the Philippines. The first local Habitat affiliate in the Philippines was established in 1988. As more affiliates were founded, a national office was set in 1992.
In 1999, U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, were joined by over 14,000 volunteers from the Philippines and 32 other countries in building 293 homes in only five days.
Since then, HFHP has rallied the youth, the business sector, church groups, and other organizations in construction projects all over the country. Today, HFHP has built more than 40,000 houses nationwide.
