| Habitat for Humanity

Habitat staff looking at houses under Indonesia tsunami response project

The lessons we learned

Many staff members — past and present — were involved in rebuilding homes and lives through Habitat for Humanity’s multi-year response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. They share their reflections.

Jean Smith and her husband, the late Pat Smith, volunteered in India after 2004 tsunami

Generous souls

Habitat for Humanity’s response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was made possible because of the contributions of volunteers.

Sandhiya, who survived 2004 tsunami, was visited by her daughters

At home, at peace

Three families who have rebuilt their homes and lives with Habitat for Humanity India share how they have overcome challenges.

Workers unloading construction materials from a barge in Banda Aceh, Indonesia

From survival to resilience

On the 20th anniversary of the disaster, Karnen Dasen, who lived in Indonesia’s hardest-hit Aceh province, recalled what happened.

From Gaza to Romania: A story of strength and hope

“We were waiting for death,” says Asma, a 23-year-old nursing school graduate and the daughter of Khaled and Daniela. Reflecting on the past month in Gaza, she recounts the experiences of her family. Her father, a 60-year-old mechanical engineer, and her mother, a 54-year-old born and raised in Brașov, Romania, were part of the first group of evacuees from the Gaza Strip to arrive in Romania on November 8. Their large, close-knit family of 13 includes their 6-month-old granddaughter Hanan, whose name means compassion and affection.

Princile and three of her children in Haiti

Rebuilding amid the rubble in southwestern Haiti

Together, we and our partners are committed to helping the people of Haiti do the incredibly hard work of rebuilding so that they are safer and more secure in their homes the next time disaster strikes.

Coming home after a destructive storm

After their house was damaged during a violent storm, 10-year-old Oliwia and her family couldn’t live in their own home, play in their own yard and pick apples from their trees — until they found Habitat Poland.

AbbVie offers major support for long-term recovery in Puerto Rico

With Abbvie’s support, Habitat will partner directly with hurricane-affected families to address their shelter needs as part of the the long-term solution for Puerto Rico.

Volunteers clean up with Habitat Hammers Back

Hurricane recovery: Habitat Hammers Back update

Habitat for Humanity takes a holistic approach in helping those affected recover from hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.