INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Indian River Habitat for Humanity (IRHFH) joins Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) in appealing for funds to assist thousands of families affected by the powerful earthquake in Nepal.
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal, which struck on Saturday, April 25, is said to be the country’s worst in 80 years and has caused more than 4,000 deaths and unimaginable damage. The earthquake is said to be 16 times stronger than the one that devastated Haiti five years ago.
Habitat for Humanity has worked in Nepal for 18 years where it is has served 54,000 families. Immediately prior to the earthquake, Habitat Nepal was building at a rate of 2.3 houses per hour. It is well prepared to respond to this devastating disaster. Habitat will distribute emergency shelter kits including tarpaulins and other materials for immediate shelter from the elements and will marshal engineers to help carry out house-by-house damage assessments, as many families fear staying in their homes. And based on assessments, Habitat will either construct transitional (temporary) shelters or move immediately into new home (core) construction.
Indian River Habitat has launched a local fund to assist Habitat with its relief efforts in Nepal. Anyone wishing to donate for this disaster response effort may mail a check, with Nepal noted in the memo section, to Indian River Habitat for Humanity at 4568 N. US Highway 1, Vero Beach, FL 32967. You may also donate online or call Indian River Habitat Development Manager Peggy Gibbs, (772) 562-9860, ext. 209. One hundred percent of every dollar donated for Nepal relief will be used for that purpose.
