Habitat Hands Out Shelter Kits For Families
Habitat for Humanity Fiji has assisted more than 200 families in 75 villages throughout Kadavu with shelter tool kits and tarpaulins as part of its disaster response work after Tropical Cyclone Keni.
More than 400 tarpaulins and 200 shelter tool kits have been distributed in the past two weeks.
The relief effort is expected to end this week.
Assisting families to clear major debris, providing technical advice and a hand in shelter repair work are part of the relief efforts.
“We have reached out to the affected with the dedicated team of staff and volunteers and we are overwhelmed by the support, confidence and trust our donors have put in us to effectively deliver the much needed supplies to families affected by Tropical Cyclone Keni,” said HFH Shelter programme manager Michael Hill.
“It’s not just about delivering the relief items to the communities in need, but it is about ensuring they are moving towards rebuilding their lives, finding more permanent shelter solutions and building community resilience. Hence, shelter tool kits are aimed to assist the communities in doing so,” Mr Hill said.
A shelter tool kit contains tarpaulin, hand saw, hoe and handle, shears, claw hammer, shovel and handle, machete, tie wire, nails and rope.
Melita Adi, 52, of Tavuki Village, was overwhelmed when she received the assistance.
“Now my child and I have enough resources to fix our home with the support of Habitat Fiji and we have a secured roof over our heads. Some of the families are still recovering and this shelter kit will make things easier for those who received it,” she said.
Meanwhile, HFH Fiji distribution teams are trying to reach out to more villages on Kadavu.
HFH Fiji partnered with other organisations to maximise its ability to reach more communities through START fund initiative supported by Save the Children.
Its partners are Partners in Community Development Fiji (PCDF), Plan International, Oxfam Pacific, Oxfam Fiji, Adventist Development and Relief Agency Fiji (ADRA)/ CANDO, Save the Children Fiji (STCF) and Live and Learn/CARE International.
HFH Fiji’s relief efforts have been supported by World Vision Australia,
The shelter tool kit contains tarpaulin, hand saw, hoe and handle, shears, claw hammer, shovel and handle, machete, tie wire, nails and rope
Habitat Australia and Save the Children.
Habitat for Humanity Fiji (HFH Fiji) is a non-profit organisation founded in 1991.
It is a member of Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI), founded in 1976 to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness.
HFH Fiji builds and repairs homes for low-income families and is one of the biggest single entity housing providers in Fiji next to government. Source: Habitat for Humanity Fiji