Zemes, Romania

Much of how Zemes, Romania, is today has been shaped by its economic past. Since the 1840s, Zemes’ economy has been built around oil production. In the 1900s, Romania was the third largest producer of oil in the world. Since then, Romanian oil production experienced a steep decline which resulted in a significant number of job losses. Overall, 52% of Romanians are living in overcrowded conditions, compared to the European Union’s average of 16.8%. Approximately 42% of Romanians are living in homes without basic plumbing such as running water, toilets and baths.

Habitat volunteers will support a building contractor as well as local volunteers to build homes which will benefit low-income and historically underserved Romanian families.

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.

Emily Fortman has been volunteering with Habitat for nearly 20 years and has led 15 Global Village builds in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Central and South America. She is passionate about helping make the world a better place. To learn more about this build, please contact Emily at [email protected].