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Assist in the work to help Haiti

Issued 2/4/2010

Help Habitat for Humanity International assemble emergency shelter kits.
The magnitude 7.0 earthquake and strong aftershocks that struck near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in January 2010 caused massive loss of lives and destruction of housing and infrastructure.  The number affected is in the millions, and Haiti's ambassador to the United States called the quake a "catastrophe of major proportions."
Damage from the earthquake has added yet another dimension to the humanitarian crisis and poverty conditions faced by Haiti, where more than 80 percent of the people live on less than US$2 per day and 55 percent live on less than US$1 a day.  Although the full toll of homes damaged or destroyed is not yet known, Habitat for Humanity International has begun to respond and will remain there long after relief efforts have faded and long-term recovery work begins.

Along with our partners at The Home Depot, Whirlpool Corporation, and Hands on Atlanta, and based on current information and past experience with international disasters, Habitat for Humanity is planning a multiphase strategy that includes early recovery and mid-and long-term response.  The early recovery phase includes the creation of emergency shelter kits. The kits are designed to help families make immediate repairs and construct emergency shelter. Materials in the kit include a bucket, a tarpaulin, wire, rope, a pry bar, a mason's chisel and trowel, gloves, nails, a hammer and a saw. The kits will be distributed to families by Habitat employees and partners. 

Volunteers are needed to receive and unpack materials, count, re-pack into individual kits, and load into containers. The kits will be assembled at the Whirlpool Regional Distribution Center in McDonough, GA. No experience is necessary, but the work may include heavy lifting and repetitive tasks. Volunteers must be 18 years-of-age or older.  
Volunteers able to work all day are preferred, but two shifts are offered.

Volunteer shifts are available during the following dates and times: 

Friday, February 5 - 8:30AM to 5PM
Saturday, February 6 - 8:30AM to 5PM - Extra volunteers needed for setup.
Monday, February 8 - 7:30AM to 12PM and 12:30PM to 5PM
Tuesday, February 9 - 7:30AM to 12PM and 12:30PM to 5PM
Wednesday, February 10 - 7:30AM to 12PM and 12:30PM to 5PM 
Thursday, February 11 - 7:30AM to 12PM and 12:30PM to 5PM

Water and snacks will be provided, and lunch will be provided for volunteers that work a full-day shift. The kits will be assembled in a warehouse, please wear work clothes and layers in case the warehouse is cold. Driving directions will be e-mailed to you with your registration confirmation.

To reserve your spot, please click on the following link to register: http://www.handsonatlanta.org/specialevents/viewSpecialEvent.php?_mode=eventDetail&_action=eventDetail&ixSpecialEvent=793

Please feel free to pass this message along to anyone in the Atlanta area you think might be interested is helping us help the people of Haiti. We need volunteers!
Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions, please call 800-422-4828, Ext. 7656.

In partnership,
Desiree Adaway
Senior director, Volunteer Mobilization
HFHI

Partnering with Habitat for Humanity

• Families in need of decent shelter apply to local Habitat affiliates. The affiliate’s selection committee chooses homeowners based on their level of need, their willingness to partner with Habitat and their ability to repay the loan.

• Habitat houses are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable loans. Mortgage length varies from seven to 30 years.

• Homeowners are required to invest hundreds of hours of their own labor – sweat equity – into building their own and other Habitat houses.

• Habitat for Humanity invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses in partnership with families in need.