Habitat for Humanity removes earthquake rubble, assembles shelter kits to help families in Nepal
ATLANTA – May 4, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — As many families in Nepal continue to struggle to find safe shelter one week after a devastating magnitude-7.8 earthquake rocked the region, Habitat for Humanity teams have begun to safely remove rubble, as well as assemble shelter kits to help families left homeless or without adequate shelter.
Many people are sleeping outdoors due to unstable structures and fear of aftershocks. Monsoon season will begin soon in Nepal, making shelter an even more urgent need.
“Many rural communities have still not received any aid at all,” said Rick Hathaway, Asia-Pacific vice president for Habitat for Humanity International. “The needs are overwhelming. The destruction of homes has been so widespread, that one of the greatest needs is shelter. Your support can help Habitat rebuild homes and shelter the survivors from the coming rains.”
As shelter kits are created, items included will vary as needs change. In the immediate days after a disaster, they may contain tarpaulin and other materials for emergency shelter and protection from the elements. At a later stage, the kits may contain wood, roofing materials and tools for home repairs.
According the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, an estimated 2.8 million people have been displaced by the earthquake, and more than 300,000 homes were destroyed or damaged. The U.S. Agency for International Development has listed housing and access to water, sanitation and hygiene, or WASH, as two of the priority issues that must be addressed in the early stages of the recovery effort.
Habitat’s ability to respond effectively to this disaster will require support from donors, corporate partners and other community organizations. Donations can be made at habitat.org/donate/nepal.
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 path out of poverty, since 1976 Habitat has helped more than 5 million people through home construction, rehabilitation and repairs and by increasing access to improved shelter through products and services. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and offers a variety of housing support services that enable families with limited means 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. To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit habitat.org.
