Habitat for Humanity launches appeal

Habitat for Humanity Ireland launched its Asian Tsunami Relief Appeal today, with plans to provide relief and build shelter for those left homeless in the regions affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

Habitat for Humanity aims to build 30,000 homes over the next year, with 20,000 in Sri Lanka alone.

The building of 20,000 houses will move 100,000 people out of the refugee camps. The initial building programme is expected to begin within the next 30 days and will last between six and twelve months.

In India, HFH is working with local partners in the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu state to distribute "family kits" of food, clothing and tents to families as part of a state government plan to encourage people to return home.

An estimated 140,000 people are currently in refugee camps. HFH aims to house between 4,000 and 6,000 families in transitional “core” house, at a cost of approximately €325 per unit. Habitat for Humanity has been working in India for over 20 years and has built over 10,000 houses in this time.

In Indonesia, the immediate aim of HFH is to begin work in the devastated province of Aceh and the Indian Ocean island of Nias, and build 5,000 homes to house up to 35,000 people. Each home will cost in the region of €1,000.

The cost of Habitat’s building programme in these and other affected countries is in excess of €16.5m.

The general public is requested to make a donation online at www.habitatireland.ie or by sending a cheque or postal order to HFH Ireland, Quadrant House, Chapelizod, Dublin 20.

Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity has built almost 200,000 homes around the world, providing over 900,000 people in 3,000 communities with simple, decent, affordable homes.