26 January 2010

THE race is on to help Haitians rebuild their homes before the hurricane season. A disaster response team from Habitat for Humanity, an international Christian housing charity based in Banbury, were immediately deployed to Haiti. As the February 2010Doorwent to press the death toll had been estimated at 200,000 and was rising. An estimated three million people had been injured or made homeless in the aftermath of the earthquake in mid-January.

Now Habitat is appealing to churches in the Diocese of Oxford to help fund its work, providing temporary and permanent housing to people affected by the disaster.
‘We have worked in Haiti for 26 years, so have experienced local staff on the ground. Praise God that they are all safe, although our rented office collapsed,’ said Stefan McNally, Habitat’s church and education development officer.

‘Our 50 staff in Haiti survived but they have all been affected personally in one way or another,’ said Ian Pearce, who works with Stefan in Banbury, and liaises with the staff on the ground in Haiti wherever possible. ‘We have had 15 computers taken over there and have secured another premises so we can get an office back up and running.’
Habitat has offices and staff in neighbouring countries poised to help in reconstruction and repair of houses. Stefan said: ‘We must move fast. The hurricane season is only a matter of months away. Whilst aid agencies focus on getting food, medicine and water to victims, experience shows that if safe homes are not reconstructed rapidly, survivors of such disasters can fall victim to disease through having inadequate shelter and water.’

The last major hurricane to hit Haiti in 2008 left 250,000 people homeless. The country has traditionally been vulnerable to hurricanes and flooding, with the hurricane season usually starting in May. Habitat will be organising people in Haiti into community groups to clean up debris, and salvage materials to be used in rebuilding or repairs. Shelter kits will be provided to as many people as possible. They are building materials and basic tools to help them repair their homes.
Transitional homes — basic building with a concrete floor and wall panels that can easily be converted into a more permanent building — will also be provided for families. Stefan said: ‘Women- headed households will be the priority for these as they are particularly vulvnerable.’

To support Habitat send a cheque marked Haiti Appeal to 46, West Bar, Banbury, Oxon, OX16 9RZ or call 01295 264240 or log on towww.habitatforhumanity.org.uk.