With poverty rates becoming increasingly lofty, the US has become home to over 100 million homeless people. These rates continue climbing as one third of the people in the US are having difficulty paying their housing bills. Millions of families are forced to live in poor housing conditions which are often unsafe and unsanitary. This housing problem was recognized as a potential epidemic when it was first dealt with in the 1970’s. Now, Habitat for Humanity is among the most widely respected charities in the world.
Habitat for Humanity is a Christian housing ministry founded in 1976. People from every race, color, and creed are invited to become part of the Habitat movement through donation and/or volunteer work. Read the rest of this entry »
We live in a country which has been built upon the backs of a predominantly individualistic society. Personal growth and success have become fundamental objectives in the struggle to achieve the American dream. As Americans, we are expected to compete for a taste of success, and this type of competition often means stepping on one’s opponents to get to the top.
Our last day on the work site and our house is finished. Our family whose name is Dong had a ceremonial tea service for all the volunteers to thank us, with a tea set that we all gave to them for their new home. It was very emotional for all of us.
One of the volunteers brought a bag of balloons and Becky and I blew them up and tied them to a string for the children. One after another they came to our house for a balloon, the police had to come and tell them no more. We almost caused a riot! I do not think they ever saw one before. I know that most of them had never seen an American before. We were quite a treat for them, especially with blue eyes.
We then walked behind the dancing dragons to the closing meal shared by volunteers and families. I wish I could tell you what it is really like here, but I cannot put into words what it would take to show the depth of the poverty here. Our family has been waiting 7 years for this little house while living on a very small boat in the river.
They are so grateful for so little and are so happy to work along side us. We cannot speak each others language, but we can read the thoughts in our hearts through our eyes. It has been an honor to be here with such wonderful people.
Lakeland, Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian organization. We welcome people of all faith backgrounds to become family partners, volunteers, and supporters to join in our common goal of eliminating poverty housing and making decent affordable shelter for all people a matter of conscience. Our work provides a tangible expression to the love of God so that every man, woman and child can have a simple, decent affordable place to live in dignity and safety. Read the rest of this entry »
