Habitat for Humanity - Kenya
Donation protected
My friend, Jill Rinckey, sent me some information a few weeks ago about a November Global Village trip to Kenya for Habitat for Humanity, Capital Region and thought I should do it. I took one look and thought "YES!" I told her I thought it was something she would also love and should look into. So off we went to the informational meeting. It was very emotional and moving to see the difference the last trip made to someone's life. The stories they told at the meeting and the video they showed were incredibly touching. It's exactly the kind of difference I would love to make. And what an opportunity to learn more about another culture and meet some amazing people in a village in Kenya! This is a scary and overwhelming adventure but I am so excited to have this chance to help others. If you'd like to learn a little more about the trip from last year, here's the video!
It's hard to watch this video and not jump at the opportunity to volunteer to build someone a home. The striking thing about this for me was the impact it made on the women in the village. Female empowerment is near and dear to me so it was wonderful to hear this side benefit of the volunteers being there. While this makes a lasting impact on this village, this work was clearly life changing for the volunteers.
Habitat for Humanity works in Kenya because the housing deficit stood at 2 million in 2012 and continues to grow at a rate of over 200,000 units a year. There is a proliferation of informal settlements in urban areas with 60% of the population living in slums in overcrowded homes typically with only one room and no adequate ventilation. Families are at high health risk of diseases such as malaria, respiratory infections, and jigger infestation. The vulnerable, in particular women, children, persons living with disabilities, the elderly and orphans, are worst hit. Under the new devolved system of government, housing delivery is the responsibility of the county governments. There is a risk that lack of effective coordination and lack of technical competence at local level can stifle the provision of housing. In addition to limited access to land (68% of Kenyans are without land documentation or tenure security) and insufficient income, lack of affordable housing finance is another limiting factor for low-income families to improve their housing conditions.
I have never done something like this before and I don't think it will be my last. I have recently learned some building skills and I am eager to put these to use to build a home for someone in need. In November, we will be traveling to Kenya with 10 other volunteers. If able, your monetary support will help me in covering costs of meals, accommodations, airfare, transports, health/accident/emergency insurance, and team coordination from Habitat for Humanity International and the host program. Your charitable donation towards this Habitat for Humanity mission trip will help transforms lives: both for myself as a volunteer and more importantly for families in Kenya.
Please read more about Habitat for Humanity's presence in Kenya and how they are trying to make an impact.
Thank you for any love, support, well wishes, and encouragement you can provide!
Love,
Jo
It's hard to watch this video and not jump at the opportunity to volunteer to build someone a home. The striking thing about this for me was the impact it made on the women in the village. Female empowerment is near and dear to me so it was wonderful to hear this side benefit of the volunteers being there. While this makes a lasting impact on this village, this work was clearly life changing for the volunteers.
Habitat for Humanity works in Kenya because the housing deficit stood at 2 million in 2012 and continues to grow at a rate of over 200,000 units a year. There is a proliferation of informal settlements in urban areas with 60% of the population living in slums in overcrowded homes typically with only one room and no adequate ventilation. Families are at high health risk of diseases such as malaria, respiratory infections, and jigger infestation. The vulnerable, in particular women, children, persons living with disabilities, the elderly and orphans, are worst hit. Under the new devolved system of government, housing delivery is the responsibility of the county governments. There is a risk that lack of effective coordination and lack of technical competence at local level can stifle the provision of housing. In addition to limited access to land (68% of Kenyans are without land documentation or tenure security) and insufficient income, lack of affordable housing finance is another limiting factor for low-income families to improve their housing conditions.
I have never done something like this before and I don't think it will be my last. I have recently learned some building skills and I am eager to put these to use to build a home for someone in need. In November, we will be traveling to Kenya with 10 other volunteers. If able, your monetary support will help me in covering costs of meals, accommodations, airfare, transports, health/accident/emergency insurance, and team coordination from Habitat for Humanity International and the host program. Your charitable donation towards this Habitat for Humanity mission trip will help transforms lives: both for myself as a volunteer and more importantly for families in Kenya.
Please read more about Habitat for Humanity's presence in Kenya and how they are trying to make an impact.
Thank you for any love, support, well wishes, and encouragement you can provide!
Love,
Jo
Organizer
Josanna Sutka
Organizer
Lansing, MI
