Habitat for Humanity to assist those affected by Typhoon Haiyan

ATLANTA, Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Habitat for Humanity will assist thousands of families affected by Typhoon Haiyan, which struck the Philippines last Friday, resulting in massive damage.

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According to the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, more than 9.6 million Filipinos have been affected in 41 provinces. Of these, more than 615,000 are currently housed in evacuation centers. Officials have also confirmed the deaths of 1,774 individuals, with thousands more feared dead. Tens of thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed.

Habitat staff members in the Philippines are assessing the situation and coordinating with government agencies and other partners on the disaster response operations. Habitat's immediate response efforts will include the distribution of 50,000 cleanup kits and 30,000 shelter repair kits to help families make needed repairs to partially damaged homes. Based on funding availability, the longer-term response will follow Habitat's model of assisting affected communities with housing solutions ranging from emergency shelter interventions to permanent home reconstruction.

"As the international community begins to assist our friends in the Philippines, we are seeing how much work will be needed in the days and months ahead to help families rebuild their homes and their lives," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "We're grateful to all of our supporters and partners who are joining our efforts during this time of need and through the long-term rebuilding process."

Habitat's ability to respond effectively to this disaster will require support from donors, volunteers, corporate partners and other community organizations. Donations can be made at https://www.habitat.org/cd/giving/one/donate.aspx?link=500

Since 1988, Habitat for Humanity Philippines has played an active role in working with families to build decent, durable and affordable housing. Through a network of project offices in rural and urban areas, Habitat for Humanity Philippines has built and repaired tens of thousands of homes. Habitat has also assisted more than 5,000 families displaced by typhoons, fires and landslides.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International's vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 4 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976. Habitat also advocates to improve access to decent and affordable shelter and supports a variety of funding models that enable families with limited resources to make needed improvements on their homes as their time and resources allow. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. To learn more, donate or volunteer visit habitat.org.

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International