Family Brigade

On May 24th, Habitat for Humanity Argentina (HPHA) carried out its first Family Brigade in Luján, in the “Los Gallitos” neighborhood. Five home-owners from previous projects, together with members of the Presbyterian Church San Andrés de Olivos worked together to build the homes of the Monzón Rodríguez and Ferreyra Duarte families.

“Habitat is a mutual help chain. I was so grateful when people came to help me in the construction of our house, and we are never going to forget everything they did for our family. That is why anytime we can help others we will be more than willing to do so” said Mariana Martínez, one of the brigade’s participants.

Not only were they able to make a considerable progress in the construction, but they also created a comfortable space for all the families to get together, strengthen their bonds, and develop a sense of “community”. The families shared both the construction time as well as the breaks, in which they took the opportunity to share some “mate” and exchange anecdotes, work experiences with HPHA and life stories.

Since one of the goals of the brigade was to integrate all of the family, the children were not left out. In order to make them part of the event, a “Little Bricks” (our programme for children) workshop was held, which allowed the kids to be part of the days events through games and fun.

*This article was written thanks to the collaboration of Mariana Huici (Social Worker of Luján).

Year 6, Vol.1: Family Stories, Santa Fe.

Mr. Sonzogni, who is in charge of the Provincial Energy Companyy in Recreo, Santa Fe, recently shared the following experience with our Local Coordinator in Santa Fe.

His Energy Company team went to carry out a routine electricity conection for last four houses built with Habitat for Humanity Argentina (HPHA) in Recreo. When they were in the middle of their assignment, it began to drizzle. Seeking shelter they found themselves under the roof of a HPHA homeowner, the Colman Family. One of the Coleman sons began chatting with them, and thanked them for giving his house light. To the surprise of each worker, the kid told them how proud he was of his new home... now that he could live in a house made of real materials, with no humidity, a room of his own... and how happy he was to be able to invite his friends from school home to study, something he had never been able to do before.

This conversation moved the workers, and even though in those conditions they would usually have suspended their work, this time they decided to continue and finish the connection so that the families could have electric energy as soon as possible. They felt it was the least they could do from their place and their situation with a safe job, a good income and their own confortable house, for these families who were starting a new stage in their lives.

The next day, the boss of the Energy company team told his wife and family what had happened. They reflected on how common this story probably was, and yet normally one would not stop to even notice such details because of the demanding work rhythm. Mr. Sonzogni came to thank HPHA for giving him the opportunity to experience the joy of families in need, working to improve their living conditions and find a place in society through their own effort and the help of volunteers.