Habitat for Humanity El Salvador provides immediate assistance to families affected by storms
In the span of three days, Habitat El Salvador distributed supplies to families affected by Tropical Depression 12E.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (October 20, 2011) – More than 50,000 families are currently living in emergency shelter and at least 18,000 homes are under water after a stretch of severe rains and flooding caused by Tropical Depression 12E. Within hours after realizing the magnitude of the disaster, Habitat for Humanity El Salvador organized an internal campaign to raise funds for the purchase food and personal hygiene supplies for affected families.
Habitat El Salvador’s national director, who proposed the idea, offered to match the funds raised by his staff.
Within three days, the organization had raised US782—exceeding the US500 goal. Habitat contributed a similar amount, for a total of US1,565.
With these funds, Habitat staff purchased basic grains, personal hygiene products, disposable diapers, purified water and other supplies. The items were distributed in partnership with the collection center that manages the country’s main television channel through its foundation. TCS Foundation (Fundación TCS) has worked closely with Habitat for Humanity El Salvador in the past by donating advertising space to spread the news about the work that Habitat is doing in the country.
Habitat for Humanity El Salvador is currently raising additional funds to address the water and sanitation needs of the some 1,000 people living in emergency shelters in the departments of Usulatán and San Vincente. Habitat plans to provide 50 temporary showers and 40 portable toilets, and will distribute water tanks so that those living in the shelters have daily access to water for bathing, washing clothes and cooking.
In the short term, Habitat will also donate 500 emergency shelter kits to affected families, so that they have the tools needed to make basic repairs to their homes. Each kit will include a shovel, a pick, gloves and a hammer, among other items. Following these short-term responses, Habitat will then turn its focus to the construction of 200 home improvements and 200 new houses for families whose homes were completely destroyed in the floods.
About Habitat for Humanity Latin America and the Caribbean
Habitat for Humanity first opened its doors in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in 1979, and has since helped more than 100,000 low-income families to access adequate housing in the region. Headquartered in San Jose, Costa Rica, the Latin America and Caribbean regional office coordinates the efforts of 16 national organizations, as well as unique partnerships throughout the region. For more information, visit habitatlatino.org.