In the coming weeks, Habitat will intensify its disaster response efforts and aims to distribute up to 30,000 shelter repair kits
Bangkok, 6 December 2013: Global non-profit shelter organization Habitat for Humanity has to date assisted over 5,000 Filipino families affected by typhoon Haiyan. The natural disaster struck a month ago in the Visayas region of the Philippines, displacing millions of people and destroying or damaging over a million homes. In addition, the Philippine government’s latest estimates put the death toll at more than 5,700 people.
“As an NGO focused on shelter, Habitat kicked into gear straight after the typhoon struck and we distributed emergency shelter kits which enabled families to build temporary shelters. The kits included tarpaulins, rope and fixings.
“Things have progressed since a month ago and we are now distributing shelter repair kits containing plywood, lumbar, galvanized iron sheets, hammer, saw and nails, so that families can begin to return to their homes by replacing roofs and repairing walls. Habitat is committed to supporting long-term recovery, and rebuilding lives and communities affected by the disaster”, said Rick Hathaway, Habitat for Humanity Asia-Pacific Vice President.
In the coming weeks, Habitat will intensify its disaster response efforts and aims to distribute up to 30,000 shelter repair kits, depending on availability of funding. As part of this ongoing response, on Saturday 7 December, our national organization Habitat for Humanity Philippines will distribute 350 shelter repair kits in Daanbantayan, northern Cebu, where close to 18,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, according to Philippine government figures.
“Challenges remain, such as the hike in material prices because of increased demand, and limited number of trucks and barges to distribute the kits. In order to reach some remote islands, Habitat has been transporting materials on bangkas or traditional fishing boats which have limited capacity. Habitat has extensive experience in responding to disasters, with partnerships established to date; we will overcome the challenges to help Filipinos rebuild their homes and lives,” continued Hathaway.
Since 1988, Habitat for Humanity Philippines has played an active role in working with families to build decent homes. Through a network of project offices in rural and urban areas, Habitat for Humanity Philippines has built and repaired tens of thousands of houses.
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Heron Holloway
Media Relations and Disaster Communications Manager, Asia-Pacific
Habitat for Humanity International • Asia-Pacific Satellite Office
420 North Bridge Road, #03-13 North Bridge Center, Singapore 188727
Tel: +65 6336 0693 • Mobile: +65 9068 1892 • Skype: heron.holloway
hholloway@habitat.org• habitat.org/asiapacific