Habitat for Humanity’s youth supporters in Asia-Pacific return to on-site volunteering for the first time in two years

MANILA (April 25, 2022) – Supporters across the Asia-Pacific region started volunteering over the weekend on Habitat for Humanity sites in their home countries to mark culmination of its 2022 Young Leaders Build campaign. This marks the first time the housing nonprofit hosted in-person youth volunteers in its build sites since the coronavirus pandemic began.

“Over the last two years, the youth responded creatively as the health and economic fallouts due to the global pandemic took a toll on everyone. Working virtually with Habitat for Humanity, they helped vulnerable families and communities to stay safe in decent shelter. We are excited to welcome young volunteers back on our build sites, following local health protocols in areas where the spread of the pandemic is controlled, to build and repair homes alongside local families in need,” said Luis Noda, Vice-President for Asia-Pacific, Habitat for Humanity International.

In Indonesia and the Philippines, long-term Habitat volunteers trained their peers about the importance of building decent, affordable housing. In Cambodia, volunteers are expected to build and repair at least four houses later this week.

Volunteers in the Asia-Pacific region also used virtual spaces to raise awareness of COVID-19 safety and the links between health and housing. They will continue to raise funds to support Habitat’s mission in the region.

“A house is where all of your basic needs are met. But sadly, a lot of people still don’t have access to adequate housing. This is where we as youth should come together to increase awareness of the situation and work to solve the housing problem in our community, country and all around the world,” said Monica Hartono, a volunteer from Indonesia. Together with fellow students from Wardaya College, she implemented Project: Home, virtual fundraising sessions in support of families in need of decent homes.  

In December 2021, young leaders launched the 2022 campaign with the #VolunteeringisViral Challenge, a social media-based activity that aimed to highlight the power of volunteering to inspire action for good.

In the four months since the annual campaign’s launch, thousands of supporters have hosted and attended learning events about the housing needs in Asia-Pacific and their respective countries, supported disaster response efforts, assisted older people in cleaning and repairing homes. They also advocated for more support and funding for the housing sector. In addition, supporters have used crowdfunding sites in support of various Habitat projects in 10 countries and one special administrative region and assisted in fundraising events.

Since 2012, over 17 million supporters have raised US$9.2 million, enabling more than 33,300 families to achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. While the 2022 campaign peaks in end-April, the momentum will continue as youth groups and volunteers are expected to participate in Habitat’s upcoming global advocacy campaign.