Building on its experience in post-flood situations in Santa Fe (2003), and following the example of HPHI (Habitat for Humanity International), Habitat for Humanity Argentina (HPHA) launched its first post-disaster volunteer fast-response assistance team after the mudslide which hit the city of Tartagal in the extreme north of Argentina.
HPHA selected and sent a team of volunteers to provide immediate assistance to families trying to clean their houses of the mud and filth left by the floods. An amount of U$S 10,000 was raised for cleaning equipment and U$S 300 made available from HPHI for general expenses. The team will stay in Tartagal for 2 weeks, coordinating the efforts of local volunteers, supported by local government and church members.
Ideally, HPHA would like to extend and expand these activities as the need is great and it will take considerable time for the city to recover but we need help with funds for this. If you would like to contribute please contact tartagal@hpha.org.ar or call (54 11) 4792 2739 / 4793 4383.
The team of volunteers includes two architects, a social psychologist, a student journalist and two technicians with experience from previous floods.
March 6, 2009
Volunteer’s Day
On December 5th, International Volunteer’s Day, HPHA Argentina's National Office organized an event to recognize the work of individual volunteers.
More than 20 volunteers attended the event and it was an opportunity to get to know each other. Those who attended included volunteers who lead construction brigades; those who help with communication tools; those who provide legal literacy workshops and the “Little Bricks” workshop; as well as others who have contributed in different ways, such as those who helped produce HPHA’s institutional video, promoted the Fundraising Dinner of 2008, and photographers. The "Bring and Share" evening event began with an ice breaker game after which Carolina Mansur, Coordinator of Community Mobilization, spoke about the significance of the World Volunteer Day and the ongoing and quiet work of HPHA's volunteers. The National Director, Ana Cutts, then thanked those present who are such an important part of Habitat for Humanity Argentina’s work. Finally, certificates were given out, and the institutional video was shown.
More than 20 volunteers attended the event and it was an opportunity to get to know each other. Those who attended included volunteers who lead construction brigades; those who help with communication tools; those who provide legal literacy workshops and the “Little Bricks” workshop; as well as others who have contributed in different ways, such as those who helped produce HPHA’s institutional video, promoted the Fundraising Dinner of 2008, and photographers. The "Bring and Share" evening event began with an ice breaker game after which Carolina Mansur, Coordinator of Community Mobilization, spoke about the significance of the World Volunteer Day and the ongoing and quiet work of HPHA's volunteers. The National Director, Ana Cutts, then thanked those present who are such an important part of Habitat for Humanity Argentina’s work. Finally, certificates were given out, and the institutional video was shown.
End of year festivities
In Luján Christmas parties for all the families who are part of HPHA were held before Christmas. A bring and share dinner was organized in the Catholic Parish of Santa Elena in Luján and an inflatable castle and table football in the church garden entertained kids, while parents talked together. The venue was decorated with balloons, colored posters and pictures of the year's activities. The institutional video and a presentation by the local office brought tears to the eyes of those present as they remembered important moments of 2008. Finally, as everyone enjoyed the home-made food, families wrote down their hopes for the coming year.
In Santa Fe, families from Recreo and Santa Fe, staff and volunteers from the National Office, members of the municipal government of Recreo and Santa Fe, the police band and the priest Scatizza, who gave the blessing to the homes, were present at the dedication of 19 homes. The dedication took place before a Christmas celebration with the traditional Argentine Christmas Cake (Pan Dulce). The children of the “Little Bricks” project performed a Nativity scene. Finally, the gift of a Bible was given to each home owner.
All these events, in both Lujan and Santa Fe, were organized and coordinated by the families from different HPHA projects, with the support of HPHA staff. Families from the newest families joined those who have now been living in their new or improved homes for several years.
In Santa Fe, families from Recreo and Santa Fe, staff and volunteers from the National Office, members of the municipal government of Recreo and Santa Fe, the police band and the priest Scatizza, who gave the blessing to the homes, were present at the dedication of 19 homes. The dedication took place before a Christmas celebration with the traditional Argentine Christmas Cake (Pan Dulce). The children of the “Little Bricks” project performed a Nativity scene. Finally, the gift of a Bible was given to each home owner.
All these events, in both Lujan and Santa Fe, were organized and coordinated by the families from different HPHA projects, with the support of HPHA staff. Families from the newest families joined those who have now been living in their new or improved homes for several years.
Argentine Baptist National Confederation
In June 2008 Habitat for Humanity Argentina (HPHA) and the Argentine National Confederation of Baptist Churches (CEBA) signed an agreement. Its aim is to offer improved housing to families living in inadequate housing. HPHA’s methods will be implemented by Baptist Churches. Through this project it is hoped to reach families outside the areas where HPHA has offices, and in remote rural areas.
In this way we hope to capitalize and learn from the first Habitat for Humanity projects. HPHA recognizes the need for strategic, efficient projects where the housing deficit is great, but we do not want to forget the needs of those living in remote areas, where groups of local volunteers led by local churches can work together to improve housing. Churches will have their own local offices, and - in their own time and on a small scale - will develop the "family by family" approach.
HPHA hopes to attract funding for these projects from Churches around the world wishing to sponsor a family or a local church’s work. We appeal particularly to Baptist congregations around the world and hope to establish partnerships whereby the local Argentine church provides volunteers and oversight, while the overseas church provides funding and, where possible, a Global Village team. This is our dream and our prayer!
The first two projects selected come from churches in the province of Formosa, Northern Argentina and from Moreno in the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires.
Both projects were identified by churches originally moved to assist a very needy family from their own community.
For more information about these projects, the families and how to sponsor a church, please write to our National Board Secretary, Patricia Caviezel (caviezp@fibertel.com.ar) or acutts@hpha.org.ar
HPHA works in association with all churches because it aims to follow the example of Jesus Christ’s care and compassion as shown in the Bible as do Christian churches! Habitat’s founder, Millard Fuller, in his book “The Theology of the Hammer” explains the setting aside of religious differences to put faith in action so that those less fortunate might have a decent home in which to grow and experience God’s love.
In this way we hope to capitalize and learn from the first Habitat for Humanity projects. HPHA recognizes the need for strategic, efficient projects where the housing deficit is great, but we do not want to forget the needs of those living in remote areas, where groups of local volunteers led by local churches can work together to improve housing. Churches will have their own local offices, and - in their own time and on a small scale - will develop the "family by family" approach.
HPHA hopes to attract funding for these projects from Churches around the world wishing to sponsor a family or a local church’s work. We appeal particularly to Baptist congregations around the world and hope to establish partnerships whereby the local Argentine church provides volunteers and oversight, while the overseas church provides funding and, where possible, a Global Village team. This is our dream and our prayer!
The first two projects selected come from churches in the province of Formosa, Northern Argentina and from Moreno in the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires.
Both projects were identified by churches originally moved to assist a very needy family from their own community.
For more information about these projects, the families and how to sponsor a church, please write to our National Board Secretary, Patricia Caviezel (caviezp@fibertel.com.ar) or acutts@hpha.org.ar
HPHA works in association with all churches because it aims to follow the example of Jesus Christ’s care and compassion as shown in the Bible as do Christian churches! Habitat’s founder, Millard Fuller, in his book “The Theology of the Hammer” explains the setting aside of religious differences to put faith in action so that those less fortunate might have a decent home in which to grow and experience God’s love.
Habitat Tent in La Matanza
*By Karen Urdaniz, volunteer in the Communications team
On January 17th staff from the Buenos Aires Office initiated a project “Habitat Tent”. This event took place in the “22 de enero” neighborhood of La Matanza and volunteers, HPHA employees and friends from the community all joined together. The name “Habitat Tent” comes from the biblical passage Isaiah 54:2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes”.
The “Incremental Improvements” project to be carried out in the neighborhood was explained. It will be possible for selected families to receive a loan of approximately $4000 pesos, to repair or improve their home. Each family who receives a loan is responsible for the implementation of their home improvement, but they are encouraged to maximize the loan by comparing different estimates, without forgetting the price-quality equation. Humberto, whose family was one of the first to benefit from these loans, described how it had helped him. Analía Bachor, Community Promotion Coordinator, encouraged those present to build much more than houses; and to help build community.
During the discussions the children enjoyed a “Little Bricks” workshop. Later, three volunteer architects gave some home owners help with technical matters regarding their constructions, and made recommendations to help avoid accidents. Some of the buildings were very precarious and risked the lives of those families who live there. To one family the architect said, “The bathroom is very insecure; taking a shower here is as dangerous as an electric chair!” Later, Andrés Maidana Habitat Legal Coordinator, explained: “We are here to give as much information as possible to assist and empower the families”.
“Sol de Pan” is a small enterprise in which four families cook together in a solar oven lent by the NGO “Microenergía”. They provided the group with empanadas, “sopa paraguaya” and small pizzas which were much appreciated.
Viviana, one of the members said, “We want to keep on working and growing to make a bakery”. After the meal the Financial Literacy Workshop met in the Fundación Concordia’s office, (this organization works in association with HPHA in the neighborhood.) Each family completed a survey, including topics such as how to organize the family economy, ways of saving, benefits and risks of taking a credit, spending and investing, and necessary and unnecessary expenses. In the meantime, the children of the families learned how to grow food from seeds and small plants. The children were enthusiastic and took the plants to their homes, where they will continue to take care of them.
The day was successful; from better understanding of the needs of the neighborhood to giving support to more families and encouraging the participation in the community, and making contact with other organizations from the area. In these ways the family of Habitat for Humanity Argentina keeps growing.
On January 17th staff from the Buenos Aires Office initiated a project “Habitat Tent”. This event took place in the “22 de enero” neighborhood of La Matanza and volunteers, HPHA employees and friends from the community all joined together. The name “Habitat Tent” comes from the biblical passage Isaiah 54:2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes”.
The “Incremental Improvements” project to be carried out in the neighborhood was explained. It will be possible for selected families to receive a loan of approximately $4000 pesos, to repair or improve their home. Each family who receives a loan is responsible for the implementation of their home improvement, but they are encouraged to maximize the loan by comparing different estimates, without forgetting the price-quality equation. Humberto, whose family was one of the first to benefit from these loans, described how it had helped him. Analía Bachor, Community Promotion Coordinator, encouraged those present to build much more than houses; and to help build community.
During the discussions the children enjoyed a “Little Bricks” workshop. Later, three volunteer architects gave some home owners help with technical matters regarding their constructions, and made recommendations to help avoid accidents. Some of the buildings were very precarious and risked the lives of those families who live there. To one family the architect said, “The bathroom is very insecure; taking a shower here is as dangerous as an electric chair!” Later, Andrés Maidana Habitat Legal Coordinator, explained: “We are here to give as much information as possible to assist and empower the families”.
“Sol de Pan” is a small enterprise in which four families cook together in a solar oven lent by the NGO “Microenergía”. They provided the group with empanadas, “sopa paraguaya” and small pizzas which were much appreciated.
Viviana, one of the members said, “We want to keep on working and growing to make a bakery”. After the meal the Financial Literacy Workshop met in the Fundación Concordia’s office, (this organization works in association with HPHA in the neighborhood.) Each family completed a survey, including topics such as how to organize the family economy, ways of saving, benefits and risks of taking a credit, spending and investing, and necessary and unnecessary expenses. In the meantime, the children of the families learned how to grow food from seeds and small plants. The children were enthusiastic and took the plants to their homes, where they will continue to take care of them.
The day was successful; from better understanding of the needs of the neighborhood to giving support to more families and encouraging the participation in the community, and making contact with other organizations from the area. In these ways the family of Habitat for Humanity Argentina keeps growing.
· Share your experience in HPHA
If you have been a volunteer or participated in any event or activity with Habitat for Humanity Argentina, please write about it in our newsletter. Many people come and help in the organization, and by recording your experiences you can encourage many more! Help us by telling us about your visit so we can promote our work.
Read Patricia Caviezel's experience
· Help us with a donation
If you want to donate to the Homes Fund you can now do it with your debit or credit card through our secure form. Each contribution, regardless of the amount, helps a family improve their quality of life. Join the Homes Fund and give your support to families in need of a place to call home.
If you have been a volunteer or participated in any event or activity with Habitat for Humanity Argentina, please write about it in our newsletter. Many people come and help in the organization, and by recording your experiences you can encourage many more! Help us by telling us about your visit so we can promote our work.
Read Patricia Caviezel's experience
· Help us with a donation
If you want to donate to the Homes Fund you can now do it with your debit or credit card through our secure form. Each contribution, regardless of the amount, helps a family improve their quality of life. Join the Homes Fund and give your support to families in need of a place to call home.
Looking ahead… please note these dates:
March 14th Ambassadors brigade
March 21st Monthly brigade. You can participate by sending an email to brigadas@hpha.org.ar
March 21st Monthly brigade. You can participate by sending an email to brigadas@hpha.org.ar
Patricia Caviezel's experience
It was a crisp winter day when José Colacilli, HPHA board president, and I, as secretary, set out for Santa Fe on a very important mission. We went to sign the deeds and mortgages for nine Habitat families from Santa Fe and Recreo.
As we drove, I wondered what the families were thinking, how they were feeling about being home owners. We passed shanty towns, one after another, I wished we could help all of those people too. We passed neat, white houses that must be part of public housing developments. Habitat is not the only organization that helps people build their home.
Once we arrived at the bright, new Habitat Santa Fe office we were greeted by Mariano Moreno, head of the Santa Fe office, and the families anxiously awaiting the paper that would make them official owners of their new homes. The families participated in different programs: from the Pilot Project the Socías and Oyola families, from the Proyecto Crecer the Correa, Toranzo, Corrales, Ayala and Vazquez familias, from the Proyecto Levantemonos the Santiyú, Chocala and Ramírez Junges families.
Mariano Colombo took pictures of the group while we got settled and José said a few words about the importance of this day. The notary, Claudia Culzoni, was already there with the deeds neatly tucked in her briefcase. Then, one at a time each family stepped into the back office to sign their name to the deed. Claudia carefully explained each page of the contract to each person present. She asked for questions then handed them the pen to sign. Many emotions filled that room, happiness, responsibility, concern, nervousness, relief, pride, success and hope. Hope that this would be the first day of the best part of their lives. José and I shook everyone’s hands and gave them a kiss and congratulated these people who worked hard to make a dream come true, who wanted a home of their own and made it possible with a little help from their friends.
José and I had to leave right away if we wanted to get back to BA before dark so we had to refuse Mariano’s invitation to visit Recreo but we did see a map of that neighborhood. There are homes built with HPHA’s help filling one whole block, and half of two other blocks. I couldn’t help thinking about the first house we built in Lujan in 2003. What a struggle it was but how much we learned since them. I have to smile because now, in the year 2008 we can actually say we are changing the face of a town but we all know this is just the beginning.
As we drove, I wondered what the families were thinking, how they were feeling about being home owners. We passed shanty towns, one after another, I wished we could help all of those people too. We passed neat, white houses that must be part of public housing developments. Habitat is not the only organization that helps people build their home.
Once we arrived at the bright, new Habitat Santa Fe office we were greeted by Mariano Moreno, head of the Santa Fe office, and the families anxiously awaiting the paper that would make them official owners of their new homes. The families participated in different programs: from the Pilot Project the Socías and Oyola families, from the Proyecto Crecer the Correa, Toranzo, Corrales, Ayala and Vazquez familias, from the Proyecto Levantemonos the Santiyú, Chocala and Ramírez Junges families.
Mariano Colombo took pictures of the group while we got settled and José said a few words about the importance of this day. The notary, Claudia Culzoni, was already there with the deeds neatly tucked in her briefcase. Then, one at a time each family stepped into the back office to sign their name to the deed. Claudia carefully explained each page of the contract to each person present. She asked for questions then handed them the pen to sign. Many emotions filled that room, happiness, responsibility, concern, nervousness, relief, pride, success and hope. Hope that this would be the first day of the best part of their lives. José and I shook everyone’s hands and gave them a kiss and congratulated these people who worked hard to make a dream come true, who wanted a home of their own and made it possible with a little help from their friends.
José and I had to leave right away if we wanted to get back to BA before dark so we had to refuse Mariano’s invitation to visit Recreo but we did see a map of that neighborhood. There are homes built with HPHA’s help filling one whole block, and half of two other blocks. I couldn’t help thinking about the first house we built in Lujan in 2003. What a struggle it was but how much we learned since them. I have to smile because now, in the year 2008 we can actually say we are changing the face of a town but we all know this is just the beginning.
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