Project 100 seeks to expand resilient housing for Cyclone Freddy-affected communities
More than three years after Cyclone Freddy hit communities across southern Malawi, many families are still rebuilding their lives. For survivors like Jackson and Chikafa among other affected families, recovery is not just about replacing what was lost. It is about rebuilding stronger, safer and more resilient communities.
That is the vision behind Project 100, Habitat Malawi’s latest initiative under the Let’s Open the Door campaign. The project aims to mobilize support and partner with affected communities to build 100 disaster-resilient homes and install two water reticulation systems.
The campaign officially began with Habitat Malawi staff, led by National Director Rex Chapota, joining Joyce and her two children in the construction of a new home after the family lost their house during Cyclone Freddy. This build marked the first Project 100 home.
The initiative builds on Habitat Malawi’s efforts to support families affected by Cyclone Freddy through its recovery work. When the cyclone struck in March 2023, it displaced more than 130,000 people in Mulanje alone. In Nanchidwa, more than 90 households lost everything and were forced to live in temporary shelters for months.
Recovery is already transforming lives.
Habitat Malawi and partners launched the recovery initiative to help families transition from emergency shelter to long-term recovery. The project combines disaster-resilient housing with safe water access, livelihood support, psychosocial care, disaster preparedness, environmental restoration, safer construction skills and secure land tenure, helping communities rebuild with dignity while strengthening resilience to future shocks. More than 70 families have moved into disaster-resilient homes, while a community borehole now provides safe water to approximately 1,750 people. Across 15 villages, more than 1,000 households have received disaster-preparedness training, helping communities better prepare for future shocks.
For Jackson, who lost his home and belongings during the cyclone, a resilient home has brought peace of mind after months of uncertainty.
“I am no longer worried about the rainy season because this resilient house will protect my belongings. I can now focus on rebuilding my livelihood,” he said.
Another survivor, Chikafa, says the experience of rebuilding has strengthened her resolve and given her family a renewed sense of security.
“That experience taught me to be resilient and resourceful in difficult situations. Out of Freddy, I now have a resilient house, and I am more proactive than before in providing for my family,” she said.
The impact extends beyond housing. The project has also supported livelihood recovery, with young people trained in tailoring, carpentry and motorcycle mechanics and provided with start-up kits to pursue sustainable livelihoods. In addition, local artisans have been trained in safer construction techniques, helping strengthen community capacity to build safer homes.
“I have helped build these resilient houses while earning money to support my children. This work is helping us rebuild our lives,” notes Ofesi, one of the 84 local artisans trained in safer construction techniques.
“We are pleased that our interventions are not only providing resilient homes but also improving access to water and livelihood opportunities while strengthening protection against future disasters,” noted Rex Chapota, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Malawi.
Join project 100
Building on these experiences, Project 100 is an invitation to government, corporate and development partners, as well as individual supporters, to help more families move from vulnerability to resilience. The project seeks to mobilize cash and in-kind support to construct 100 decent, disaster-resilient homes and install two water reticulation systems for the affected communities.
By contributing both their time and resources to the first Project 100 build, Habitat Malawi staff are extending an invitation. Together, we can help open the door to 100 safe homes, clean water and a brighter future for communities recovering from Cyclone Freddy.
Get involved
select “Designate your donation” to Habitat Malawi.