Veles, North Macedonia

Once a thriving industrial center, Veles was known for its factories in the Yugoslav era. The city’s economy heavily depended on state-run industry, which provided stable employment for thousands of workers. Following the breakup of Yugoslavia, the sudden industrial collapse triggered a severe economic decline, leading to high unemployment and poverty.

Habitat Macedonia’s New Builds Veles program is committed to supporting low-income families by offering affordable housing solutions, strengthening local capacities and supporting communities.

The New Builds Veles program, launched in 2009 with support from the Government of North Macedonia, the Municipality of Veles, and local residents, aims to build 11 residential buildings with 98 apartments. Volunteers will assist a building contractor and local volunteers with constructing these new units.

Some of the construction tasks include:

• Transporting materials.
• Assembling reinforcement bars.
• Working with building blocks.
• Interior plastering.
• Painting.
• Tiling.

Volunteers will stay in double-occupancy rooms at a hotel. Single-occupancy rooms are available by request for an additional charge. Please contact your team leader to request a single-occupancy room. Meals will vary slightly from day to day. Breakfast will be provided at the hotel. Lunches will be served on the build site on workdays and dinner will be at the hotel, local restaurant or arranged by the country program.
 

Dave Kovac loves being part of a group of good people with good intentions doing good work. Beyond sharing a little dirt, sweat and laughter, his experience in international service helps turn those good intentions into hope — something we could all use a little more of. To learn more about this build, please contact Dave at [email protected].