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Habitat World editor Milana McLead has seen first hand how decent, affordable housing helps families overcome multiple obstacles to a better life. |
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by Milana McLead
"Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget ... . Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy."
--The Book of Common Prayer
Poverty is not the only barrier to decent shelter. Other barriers--such as discrimination, disability, culture, location and sometimes even gender--lock people out of sight and opportunity.
Recently, I read these words by Mother Teresa: "We should realize that poverty doesn't only consist of being hungry for bread, but rather it is a tremendous hunger for human dignity. Not only have we denied the poor a piece of bread, but by thinking that they have no worth and leaving them abandoned in the streets, we have denied them the human dignity that is rightfully theirs as children of God." Her words reminded me of a family I met a few years ago in Romania.
Ioan and Veluta Tomut were raised in that country's orphanages. Sadly, being an orphan there is reason enough for discrimination and low self-esteem. Even so, the couple struggled to provide a better life for their five children. "Home" for 11 years had been a frigid and drafty three-room house--the best they could manage. Then, inexplicably, the landlord threatened eviction.
Within hours of the dire news, 44-year-old Ioan suffered a stroke. He would not be able to resume his work as a metal worker and uranium miner, nor would he regain much movement on the right side of his body.
Unable to work and with nowhere to live, the Tomuts faced their darkest hours. In time, hope came as Habitat for Humanity began its fledgling efforts in their rural village. By 1999, a simple, accessible house became home to the Tomut family, thanks to a Habitat partnership with Lions Clubs International. Paying back a no-profit, no-interest mortgage would be affordable on their disability income.
As they shared their story with me, Ioan gazed with tired eyes out from under the brim of his "Jesus Saves" cap. Veluta wept softly. The question "How will your life be different now?" was the cause of Veluta's tears. "Our life will be much happier," she said. "There will be a home that is ours."
And so, while Habitat's goal to eliminate poverty housing remains in sharp focus, overcoming any and all barriers to decent shelter requires creative and innovative attention to a wide variety of issues. Bold goals, inspired vision, courageous action--that's what it's going to take. We hope you'll help us build more than houses--help us build human dignity.
Thanks for reading ... and for building.
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