Bangkok, 13th November 2013 – Habitat for Humanity’s national office in the Philippines today will begin distribution of 5,000 shelter repair kits* to families affected by Typhoon Haiyan in Bogo city and Bantayan island in Cebu province. In total, Habitat has targeted to distribute 30,000 shelter repair kits and 50,000 clean-up kits* in typhoon-hit areas across the country.
According to the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in its latest report, over 6.9 million Filipinos have been affected in 41 provinces. Of these, more than 580,000 people have been displaced. The report added that close to 150,000 houses have been totally or partially damaged and that 1,833 individuals are confirmed dead.
Habitat for Humanity is appealing for funds for its disaster response efforts to assist families and help them rebuild their lives and gain access to decent shelter. Based on funding availability, the longer-term response will follow Habitat's model of assisting affected communities with housing solutions ranging from emergency shelter interventions to permanent home reconstruction.
Since 1988, our national office in the Philippines has played an active role in working with families to build decent, durable and affordable housing. Through a network of project offices in rural and urban areas, Habitat for Humanity Philippines has built and repaired tens of thousands of homes. Habitat has also assisted more than 5,000 families displaced by typhoons, fires and landslides.
*Shelter repair kit includes plywood, lumber, hammer, handsaw, nails, and galvanized iron sheets.
*Clean-up kit includes broom, mop, pail, floor brush and industrial disinfectant cleanser.
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International's vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 4 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and supports a variety of funding models that enable families with limited resources to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. Habitat has supported an estimated 1.5 million individuals in the Asia-Pacific region, where it has been active since 1983. To get more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit habitat.org/asiapacific or follow us at facebook.com/habitat.
Regards,
Michele Soh
Associate Director, Communications, Asia-Pacific
Habitat for Humanity International • Asia-Pacific Singapore Satellite Office
420 North Bridge Road, #03-13, North Bridge Centre, Singapore 188727
Tel +65 6336 0693 • Mobile +65 9233 1544
msoh@habitat.org