Habitat for Humanity Trip

Welcome to my funding page for my Habitat for Humanity trip!

For those of you who know me, I have always had a passion for helping people. I find fulfillment in changing people's lives, but I have not yet done anything of measure. Thus is why I am volunteering for Habitat for Humanity Global Village Program. I feel this would suit me in many ways such as hands on work, a passion for travel and experiencing new cultures and the ability to do selfless acts for less fortunate people. The following will give you a description of who Habitat for Humanity is, what I will be doing there, where I am going,when the trip is and how your donations will help.

Who

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian ministry founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent, safe and affordable place to live. We build with people in need regardless of race or religion. We welcome volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds.

Habitat for Humanity Thailand was formed in 1998 and focuses its efforts on housing needs in small urban areas outside of Bangkok, where migration from rural areas into urban centers has put a strain on the availability of affordable land plots. Rayong is located in this central area of Thailand. 

The government’s National Housing Authority estimates some 8.2 million people live in substandard housing. Problems are particularly acute in Bangkok as the capital has grown into a major metropolis dwarfing other cities in the country. Migrants face high rents for small rooms and often live in overcrowded areas plagued by a lack of proper sanitation facilities. Squatter settlements are commonly seen along railway lines or near port and industrial areas. 

HFH Thailand’s tsunami-reconstruction program has served more than 1,500 families as of 2008 and is being transformed, as planned, into a regular program. The move reflects the continuing strong need for affordable housing in the south of the country.

What

Housing is a major concern for Portuguese families, with 65 percent of the population living in dilapidated housing and 8.5 percent in shacks. One of the biggest challenges of HFH Portugal is a common dependency on government subsidies. The Governmental Social Housing program has been relatively effective in re-housing families that were living in poor conditions. However, support for the families that have been relocated does not exist. Social problems such as alcoholism, illiteracy, exclusion, lack of basic care and the creation of “social ghettos” are not solved with this kind of assistance. Only by promoting community-building and inclusiveness, and through educational and social programs, is it possible to break this poverty cycle.

Poverty housing in Portugal is spread throughout the country, with two distinctive kinds of housing: “hidden poverty” (typical Portuguese houses with a small orchard that hides the poor housing conditions) and the obvious shacks of the big cities. Since the 1970s, Portugal has been the destination country for immigrants from the former Portuguese colonies and Brazil and more recently, for immigrants from former Soviet Union countries. Thus, the need for housing is growing, especially in the urban areas of the country.

The first Habitat house in Portugal was built in 1999 in the town of Vieira do Minho. The following year, HFH Braga began to build in Palmeira and Cunha, and has served 28 families as of October 2008. In 2002, the organization began to renovate and repair existing homes and apartments and continues to find ways to serve more families. Learn more about Habitat Portugal at www.assoc-habitat.pt. 


Standard itinerary
(10-day itinerary)
Day 1 (typically Saturday): Depart for Portugal.
Day 2 (Sunday): Arrive in Porto, Portugal; travel to Braga; welcome and orientation with Habitat host program staff member; dinner.
Days 3–8 Work days (Monday–Saturday): Breakfast served before traveling to work site; work from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. with lunch on-site; free time after work to clean up; dinner in local restaurants; team activities; farewell dinner on day 8.
Note: Special events throughout the week include cultural experiences with host program staff, such as market tours, museum visits, walking tours, etc.
Note: Thursday can be an optional cultural activity day or work day.
Day 9 (Sunday): Travel to Porto; free time; final team dinner.
Day 10 (Monday): Departure day.

Where

Portugal is situated on the west side of the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Spain. It became an independent kingdom in 1143, and it is one of the oldest existent nations in Europe. It was the Portuguese sailors who, in the 15th century, discovered the ocean routes to India, Brazil, China and Japan, changing the way people understood the world around them.

Braga is situated in the northwestern part of the country and has been an important trading center since recorded times. In the 12th century, it became Portugal’s spiritual center and the home of the Catholic Church. Numerous cathedrals, buildings and relics testify to Braga’s religious significance. Modern Braga is also known for its unique handicrafts and delectable gastronomy. Wandering through the streets of Braga, you will find excellent pottery and wooden miniatures, but the city’s most characteristic handicraft is cavaquinho, or four-string baby viola, still manufactured in the traditional way.

When

The trip is scheduled for November 3rd to 12th of 2012

How

Your donation will help in many ways, any amount is greatly appreciated. Here is a breakdown of the costs that the funding will help cover.

Trip Cost:

The trip cost includes Building program, Volunteer logistics, Volunteer team coordination, Health and safety

Airfare:

Airfare cost include roundtrip flight from Calgary to Bangkok.

Other:

 Other expenses include travel expenses, Supplies, Visas, Insurance, Spending money and unexpected expenses.   

As recognition for your donations rewards will be given to all who support me and Habitat for Humanity!

Please pass this on as the success of the funding is dependent on word of mouth.

https://assets.gogetfunding.com/user/dwevers

Sincere Thanks, Daniel Wevers