A House for the Reforba Family

While serving in the Peace Corps in the Philippines I became great friends with Hanella, a 29 year old mother of two, and her family.  Together with her husband, Hanella moved her family of four into a spare room at her in-laws' house in order to give her kids a better education at the local school.  The four of them live in a space that is about 60" x 90", or about the size of a queen sized bed.  Before donation money bought them a bed foam a few months ago, the family was sleeping on their cement floor on a sheet of cardboard for a bed.  When a recent typhoon passed through, the little room flooded and without a bed frame to elevate the bed foam the parents were forced to sit awake in chairs all night cradling their children so they could sleep.

The family is trying to save money to buy building materials for a house of their own, but with an income of only 300 pesos (about $9) a day it will take them years to save enough money.  This fundraising campaign aims to raise $5000 for Hanella and her family so they can build a real house that will protect them from the elements and provide the children with a true home.  If possible, the money raised will also cover the purchase of a plot of land for the family to call their own.