Help build a home for a family in the Philippines

In 2013, the Philippines was hit by Typhoon Haiyan (aka Typhoon Yolanda)- one of the strongest typhoons recorded to date. This natural disaster affected more than 14 million people; displacing 4.1 million, killing more than 6,000, and leaving 1,800 missing. In addition, 1.1 million homes were either partially or completely destroyed. Officials estimated that Tacloban City on the island of Leyte was 90% destroyed. In 2016, I came to Tacloban to volunteer for 6 months. During my time here, I got to witness the progression of the city rebuilding itself back up. While volunteering, I was blessed with the opportunity to grow close to locals and hear first hand experiences of how they fought for survival during Typhoon Haiyan. I was volunteering at a local feeding center for children in the area when I met a mother of 4 that really touched my heart. We exchanged life stories for months and as we grew close she shared her struggles with me. The home she lived in with her 4 children was completely destroyed by the typhoon. After the huge loss, what they could afford was to rent out a house that was also severely damaged by the typhoon and put a makeshift roof on top of it. When I visited their home, I witnessed the conditions myself. I was humbled by her openness to even show me because she was embarrassed..She showed me her world without ever asking of anything of me- not even help. There were no doors, no windows, no kitchen. The house consists of one room with concrete floor, three concrete walls, one makeshift plywood wall that is rotting, and a small bathroom. Every night, the children take sheets and pillows and place them on the floor to sleep. The only thing keeping the outside world apart from the ones inside are curtains covering the windows and a sheet covering the door frame. Fast forwarding to 2019, my dear friend and the mother I’m writing about, was left with no other option except to look for work in the capital city of Manila so she could provide for her children back home. She loves her children so incredibly much and would go to the ends of the world for them. However, leaving them to go across the ocean, 500 miles away has been the biggest challenge she’s faced since becoming a mother. She stresses her worries to me often..constantly praying and hoping her children will remain safe at home. She has two girls that are ages 11 and 7, and two twin boys that are 5.
Unfortunately, this past Christmas, Leyte (where Tacloban is located) and surrounding islands were affected by another typhoon. Typhoon Ursula added to the damage of their already suffering home. Thinking of her children being there without her, in a house that is no place to keep children safe has been truly disheartening and stressful. With the conditions of having no proper door to shut, no windows to close, it’s nearly impossible for them to protect themselves. Not only from natural disasters, but even more importantly from the crazy world we live in. My goal here is to give these children a SAFE and strong place to go home to every day and night. There is a piece of land in their community (which is ideal for them to stay living in because of the excellent school system near by) for sale for $2,000 USD. After doing a lot of calculating with local people here- a strong structured home which includes: the entire foundation, concrete floor, above ground posts to make the home elevated (to avoid very frequent flooding), a strong metal roof, closing windows, locking door, plumbing, and the installation of electricity would cost a little over $5,000 USD. The house would consists of a family room, one or two bedrooms (depending on the funding), a bathroom, and kitchen area. The costs of labor and materials are all included in that total as well. Please keep in mind that with the poverty level this family is at, this home would be something of a dream, a home that they would never have imagined being able to call theirs. They’ve never lived in a home this strong and safe and I know that it would be life changing. It would give these children a safe haven to go home to and it would lift the heaviest weight off of their mother’s shoulders. To OWN land and a house is something she didn’t see on the horizon. When I told her my idea of this, she was in disbelief and of course, tears. I will be the one to handle all of the finances and organizing each part of the plan, so I will update every step of the process. One US dollar goes very far here in the Philippines so truly anything helps and is greatly, greatly appreciated. If you’ve read my entire story, thank you thank you thank you from the bottom of my heart. Even if your not financially able to donate, the biggest help is to share this with others! If you are able to, I have so much gratitude for you, please know that you ARE making an incredible difference for an entire family. This project means so much to me and I am praying that we can pull this off all together, I have so much faith that we can. Blessings to you all!! Thank you so much for being here! 
Please note: I’ve set the goal at $7,500 because of the 2.9% that is taken out of the earnings total due to avoidable payment processing fees. Also, for any unforeseen and unpredictable costs that may happen while building. (Cost of materials, weather delays, labor, etc)