Habitat for Humanity Chile Volunteers Assist in Earthquake Cleanup and Reconstruction

SANTIAGO, Chile, March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Habitat for Humanity and partners organized the distribution of emergency tents for affected families in Talca within days of the 8.8-magnitude earthquake that shook the length of Chile on Feb.27. Today, local volunteers will start to clear ground for the first 36 permanent homes to be built -- the first phase in a long-term response.

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According to Luis Santibanez, national director for Habitat for Humanity Chile, the organization is committed for the duration. "Even as we prepare to clear ground for the first homes, we are working on plans for a long-term response," said Santibanez. "However, the extent of that response will depend entirely on the generosity of donors and volunteers."

Early reports indicate that 500,000 homes sustained considerable damage and some 2 million people have been affected by the quake. Strong aftershocks upwards of 6.0-magnitude continue, maintaining a general sense of insecurity among those who are still in their homes, many of which sustained damage in the Feb. 27 quake.

Habitat for Humanity Chile is a long-time partner of Chile's Ministry of Housing, and will continue to be a partner in upcoming recovery efforts. Through government partnerships, Habitat Chile offers technical support to groups of families, helping them to access government housing subsidies. These local housing committees now provide a close point of contact for Habitat in assessing earthquake-damaged areas.  

Shortly after the quake, a Habitat for Humanity assessment team traveled to the regions of Santiago, Talca, Puerto Saavedra, Los Angeles, Temuco, Curepto and Gualleco to evaluate the housing situation of low-income communities in these affected areas. Initial results indicate that 100 percent of the houses built by Habitat for Humanity Chile remain undamaged. However, many families who had been applying for housing subsidies, but who had not yet started construction, were affected by the quake.

Habitat for Humanity Chile has provided more than 6,300 housing solutions to low-income families since 2002. This includes new house construction, major rehabilitations, repairs and other housing improvements. The organization had recently received extensive training in working in disaster recovery.

Due to transportation complications, Habitat for Humanity Chile is currently only recruiting local volunteers. Opportunities for international volunteer teams to Chile will eventually be available through Habitat for Humanity's Global Village program.  

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 350,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.75 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit www.habitat.org.

About Habitat for Humanity Chile

Habitat for Humanity Chile works with at-risk families and communities to provide housing solutions, facilitate community support and offer diverse services in an efficient and sustainable manner, benefiting the nation as a whole. For more information, visit www.hphchile.cl/.

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity